Kohli’s 93 anchors India to tense four-wicket win over New Zealand in 1st ODI
Virat Kohli’s enduring class once again proved decisive as India overcame a late scare to clinch a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the opening ODI of the three-match series here on Sunday. Kohli’s commanding 93 off 91 balls laid the foundation for a chase that briefly wobbled but eventually carried India past the finish line at 306 for six in 49 overs.
Chasing a competitive 301, India appeared firmly in control for most of the innings, largely due to Kohli’s authority at the crease and solid support from captain Shubman Gill, who made 56. However, a sudden cluster of wickets after Kohli’s dismissal in the 40th over gave New Zealand an unexpected opening, turning a routine chase into a tense finish.
Kohli, who fell just seven runs short of what would have been his 54th ODI century, departed when India still needed 67 runs from 66 balls with seven wickets in hand. His exit triggered a mini-collapse as Ravindra Jadeja (4) and Shreyas Iyer (49) followed in quick succession, allowing the visitors to sense a comeback.
It was Kyle Jamieson who led New Zealand’s revival with a spirited spell, finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 41. Jamieson had Kohli caught at mid-on, cleaned up Iyer with a clever off-cutter and removed Jadeja, briefly swinging momentum away from the hosts.
Calm heads ultimately prevailed for India. KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 29 and stitched together a crucial 37-run stand with Harshit Rana, who chipped in with a valuable 29. The final runs came with an injury-hit Washington Sundar (7 not out), aided by a couple of uncharacteristic dropped catches by the New Zealand fielders in the closing stages.
Despite missing out on a century, Kohli achieved a significant milestone, becoming the fastest batter to reach 28,000 runs in international cricket. He is now second on the all-time list, behind only Sachin Tendulkar, having gone past Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara.
Kohli set the tone from the outset, attacking New Zealand’s bowlers with trademark precision. He unfurled elegant drives and punished loose deliveries, particularly taking on young leg-spinner Adithya Ashok with confidence. A moment of fortune also went his way when an inside edge off debutant Kristian Clarke narrowly missed the stumps.
The defining partnership came between Kohli and Gill, who added 118 runs for the second wicket. Though boundaries dried up for a brief period, the pair maintained control through smart rotation of strike. Gill eventually brought up his 16th ODI half-century but appeared to struggle with cramps before holing out for a 71-ball 56.
Earlier, New Zealand posted a competitive 300 for eight, built around a fluent 84 from Daryl Mitchell. The visitors had made a strong start through Devon Conway (56) and Henry Nicholls (62), who added 117 for the opening stand. India fought back through Harshit Rana’s incisive second spell, reducing New Zealand from 117 without loss to 198 for five.
Mitchell steadied the innings with timely boundaries, while debutant Kristian Clarke added late impetus with an unbeaten 24. In the end, however, Kohli’s brilliance ensured India took a 1-0 lead, even if not without a few nervous moments.
Brief Scoreboard
New Zealand : 300/8 in 50 overs
Daryl Mitchell 84 (71), Devon Conway 56 (67), Henry Nicholls 62 (69)
Harshit Rana 2/65 Siraj 2/40
India : 306/6 in 49 overs
Virat Kohli 93 (91), Shubman Gill 56 (71), Shreyas Iyer 49
Kyle Jamieson 4/41