India defeated New Zealand in a tense first ODI at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara to take a 1–0 lead in the series. Chasing 301, India were in control for most of the match before a late twist made it a close finish.
Kohli controls chase with classy innings
Virat Kohli once again proved his value in ODIs. After scores of 74*, 135, 102 and 65* in his previous games, Kohli looked set for another century. He was batting on 93 and had full control of the chase.
Kohli added 118 runs with Shubman Gill and 77 with Shreyas Iyer. He started fast, hitting six fours early, and later slowed the game down by rotating strike and finding gaps. His shot to backward square leg against Kristian Clarke showed his innovative use of the field.
Jamieson turns the match on its head
When India were cruising, Kyle Jamieson struck. He dismissed Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja and Shreyas Iyer in the space of seven balls. India suddenly needed 59 runs from 53 balls with five wickets left.
Rahul and Rana hold their nerve
Harshit Rana played a brave knock of 29 off 23 balls and shared a key stand with KL Rahul. Washington Sundar, struggling with a side strain, could barely run but stayed at the crease.
Rahul kept calm under pressure and finished the game in style, hitting Kristian Clarke for 4, 4 and 6 to seal the win with six balls remaining.
New Zealand’s innings falls short
Earlier, New Zealand made a promising start as Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls added 117 for the first wicket. However, India’s bowlers kept the scoring rate under control.
Rana removed both openers, while Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Glenn Phillips. Daryl Mitchell scored a steady half-century to push New Zealand close to 300, but the total was not enough.
India now leads the series 1–0.
