New Zealand posted a competitive total of 300 for eight in their 50 overs against India in the first ODI at Vadodara.
The visitors were anchored by Daryl Mitchell, who stayed strong at one end while wickets kept falling at the other. New Zealand struggled to build partnerships after the fall of their openers but managed a late surge to reach the 300-run mark.
Strong opening stand
Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls gave New Zealand a solid start with a 117-run opening partnership. Both batters registered half-centuries before the stand was broken in the middle overs.
Their dismissal slowed the scoring rate as India tightened the bowling and picked up regular wickets.
Mitchell holds firm
Daryl Mitchell provided stability in the middle order, ensuring New Zealand stayed on course for a competitive total. However, support from the other end remained limited as Indian bowlers struck at regular intervals.
India pull things back
India clawed back in the middle overs with disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. Harshit Rana broke the opening partnership, triggering a mini-collapse that tilted momentum towards the hosts.
Gill wins toss, India bowl first
Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to bowl first at the Kotambi Stadium. According to the BCCI, this is the first men’s ODI to be played at the venue and the first international match in Vadodara in 15 years.
India went in with six bowling options and several changes to the playing XI. Gill returned to the squad after recovering from injury that ruled him out of the South Africa tour.
Gill’s comeback
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Gill said the setbacks at the end of 2025, including losing his T20 World Cup spot and missing key matches due to injury, had not affected his confidence, as per the BCCI.
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