India vs New Zealand 1st ODI: Thrilling Victory in Baroda
The India vs New Zealand 1st ODI in Vadodara ended in a gripping finish as India successfully chased down a target of 301 runs, winning by 4 wickets. The victory gave India a 1–0 lead in the three‑match ODI series and set the tone for the remainder of the tour.
New Zealand Batting: Conway, Nicholls, and Mitchell Shine
Batting first after losing the toss, New Zealand posted 300/8 in 50 overs.
- Devon Conway (56) provided a fluent start, timing the ball beautifully against India’s new‑ball attack.
- Henry Nicholls (62) anchored the innings with patience and precision.
- Daryl Mitchell (84) was the standout performer, mixing aggression with composure to push the score past 300.
India’s bowlers fought back in the death overs. Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna each claimed two wickets, ensuring New Zealand could not accelerate further.
India’s Chase: Gill and Kohli Lead the Charge
Chasing 301, India’s top order laid the foundation.
- Shubman Gill (56), captaining the side, played a fluent knock, mixing elegant stroke play with solid defense. His half‑century gave India the stability they needed at the top.
- Virat Kohli (93) was the backbone of the chase, narrowly missing his 85th international century. His innings combined patience with calculated aggression, keeping India ahead of the required run rate.
During his knock, Kohli achieved two milestones:
- He became the fastest batter to 28,000 international runs.
- He surpassed Kumar Sangakkara to become the second‑highest run‑scorer across formats, behind only Sachin Tendulkar.
Middle Order and Lower Order Contributions
After Kohli’s dismissal in the 40th over, Shreyas Iyer (49) steadied the innings with a composed knock, ensuring India did not lose momentum. The chase grew tense in the final overs, but India’s lower order held firm.
- KL Rahul (29) contributed a valuable knock under pressure.
- Washington Sundar (7 not out) supported calmly at the end, rotating strike when needed.
- Harshit Rana (29 off 23) played a crucial cameo, striking two fours and a six to keep India ahead of the required rate.
India sealed the win in the 49th over, finishing at 302/6.
Key Turning Points in India vs New Zealand 1st ODI
- Siraj’s double strike restricted New Zealand in the death overs.
- Gill’s 56 provided stability at the top.
- Kohli’s 93 anchored the chase and broke records.
- Iyer’s 49 ensured India stayed on course after Kohli’s dismissal.
- Rana’s cameo shifted momentum back to India when the chase looked shaky.
- Rahul’s 29 and Sundar’s 7 not out added crucial runs to finish the job.
Player of the Match: Virat Kohli
For his brilliant 93 runs under pressure, Virat Kohli was named Player of the Match. His innings was a reminder of his unmatched ability to anchor chases and deliver in crunch situations.
Series Context
India’s victory gives them a 1–0 lead in the 3‑match ODI series. The series is crucial preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
- India’s positives: Kohli’s form, Gill’s captaincy, Iyer’s consistency, and the bowling unit’s fightback.
- New Zealand’s positives: Mitchell’s batting and the opening partnership.
- Areas to improve: India’s death bowling leaked runs, while New Zealand’s middle order failed to capitalize.
Conclusion: India vs New Zealand 1st ODI in Vadodara
The India vs New Zealand 1st ODI in Vadodara was a perfect advertisement for ODI cricket. New Zealand’s fighting total, Gill’s fluent 56, Kohli’s record‑breaking 93, Iyer’s composed 49, and Sundar’s steady 7 not out combined to produce a thrilling spectacle.
India’s 4‑wicket win sets the tone for the series, giving them confidence ahead of the next two ODIs. For New Zealand, regrouping quickly will be key to keeping the series alive.