A masterful chase led by Virat Kohli’s fluent 93 and a composed finish from KL Rahul powered India to a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first ODI, as the hosts overhauled a target of 301 with six balls to spare.
Put in to bat, New Zealand posted a competitive 300/8 in 50 overs on a slightly slow surface. Openers Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls provided a solid platform with a century opening stand, but India struck back in quick succession to trigger a collapse from 117/0 to 146/3.
The visitors struggled to rebuild as the Indian pace trio kept chipping away. Daryl Mitchell anchored the innings superbly, scoring a well-crafted 84, while debutant Kristian Clarke added a valuable 24 late in the innings to push the total to the 300-mark. For India, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna claimed two wickets each, with Kuldeep Yadav also among the wickets.
Chasing 301, India began cautiously as New Zealand’s young pace attack found early movement. Rohit Sharma broke the shackles with intent but fell during the Powerplay, leaving India at 48/1. From there, Virat Kohli took control of the chase with trademark assurance. Batting with freedom and experience, Kohli stitched together a crucial 118-run partnership with Shubman Gill, who contributed a measured 56. The pair ensured the asking rate never spiralled despite a boundary-less phase, relying on sharp strike rotation.
Just when India seemed to be cruising, Kyle Jamieson produced a sensational spell to turn the game on its head. Kohli fell agonisingly short of a century on 93, and Jamieson’s burst reduced India from 234/2 to 242/5, dragging New Zealand back into the contest. With pressure mounting and 59 needed off under nine overs, the match suddenly hung in the balance.
KL Rahul then showcased his calm temperament. Demoted to No. 6, Rahul held firm, managing the chase intelligently alongside Harshit Rana, who played a brisk cameo of 29 to ease the tension. A few missed chances in the field and lapses from the inexperienced New Zealand bowlers proved costly, and Rahul capitalised, sealing the win with a composed finish as India reached 306/6 in 49 overs.
Kohli was named Player of the Match for his classy 93, his 45th such award in ODIs. India captain Shubman Gill praised Kohli’s batting and highlighted the importance of staying present during a chase, while New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell reflected on missed opportunities and felt another 20 runs could have made the difference.
With this win, India take a 1–0 lead in the three-match ODI series. The teams now move to Rajkot for the second ODI on January 14, where New Zealand will look to bounce back and level the series.
Source: BCCI
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