Kohli’s Masterclass Leads India to Victory Over New Zealand in 1st ODI

New Zealand has long been known for exceeding expectations in international cricket, and once again, the Black Caps rose to the challenge. However, the early onslaught by Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill was too difficult for the visitors to overcome on Sunday.

India, chasing a target of 301 on a chilly, dew-covered evening at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium, eventually clinched the victory — not without a few hiccups — and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.

Even after Rohit Sharma’s brisk cameo ended and Gill handed leg-spinner Adithya Ashok a wicket following his composed half-century, India maintained firm control. Kohli transitioned seamlessly into his well-known chase-master role, while Shreyas Iyer aggressively targeted the spinners.

Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer contributed 77 runs for the third wicket, ensuring India reached their goal despite a few late setbacks. Kohli was the key player, initially hitting six fours in his first 20 balls before shifting to strike rotation. Gill attacked leg spinner Adithya soon after his introduction, prompting captain Bracewell to enter the attack.

With 67 runs needed from 11 overs and Kohli nearing a century, the crowd anticipated both a Kohli hundred and an easy finish. However, Kyle Jamieson turned the tide dramatically by taking three wickets in seven balls: Kohli miscued a shot over mid-off, Ravindra Jadeja was caught at mid-on from a cross-seam delivery, and Shreyas fell to another cutter, leaving India unsettled.

With Washington Sundar injured in the first innings, Harshit Rana joined KL Rahul at the crease, managing to prevent a hat-trick and then swinging his bat freely before being dismissed. Washington persevered through pain to join a steady Rahul. When the required run rate narrowed to a run-a-ball, it was Rahul’s successive boundaries followed by a decisive six over cow corner against debutant Kristian Clarke in the second-to-last over that sealed the deal for India.

Earlier, an early life for Henry Nicholls courtesy of a dropped catch by Kuldeep Yadav in the deep during the sixth over allowed New Zealand’s left-handed openers to post a 117-run partnership in 21 overs. Rana disrupted this stand upon his return, claiming the wickets of Nicholls and Devon Conway in back-to-back overs. While Daryl Mitchell once again posed challenges for India, the rest of the middle order couldn’t capitalize effectively.

Mitchell’s late burst, particularly against Prasidh Krishna before eventually getting outpaced by him, enabled New Zealand to amass 88 runs in the final 10 overs to reach the significant total of 300. However, it ultimately fell short for the Black Caps.

Next stop: Rajkot!

Published on January 11, 2026.