Virat Kohli's 74, Anshul Kamboj's 2 Wickets Power India to 5-Wicket Win Over New Zealand

India began their five-match ODI series against New Zealand with a five-wicket victory in a rain-affected opening encounter at Eden Park, Auckland, on Wednesday. While Virat Kohli starred with the bat and Anshul Kamboj, who was named Player of the Match, impressed with the ball, the match also witnessed a special moment involving three Indian cricket stars and a New Zealand rugby legend.

Ahead of the match, India captain Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma met former All Blacks captain Keven Mealamu, who presented the trio with personalised rugby jerseys. Mealamu, one of New Zealand’s most-capped rugby players, made 132 international appearances and was part of the country’s 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cup-winning teams.

On the field, India’s pace attack dismantled New Zealand’s batting line-up, bowling the hosts out for 185 in 40.2 overs. Arshdeep Singh led the attack with four wickets, while Gurnoor Brar claimed three. Kamboj was equally impressive, returning figures of 2/22 in 10 overs, including two maiden overs.

India’s chase suffered an early setback when Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a duck in the first over. However, Kohli and Gill steadied the innings with a crucial partnership that shifted the momentum in India’s favour.

Kohli looked in excellent touch, scoring 74 off 51 deliveries, including 12 boundaries and a six. He also registered his 80th ODI half-century, while Gill contributed 37 runs to keep the chase on track.

Rain interruptions resulted in a revised target of 143 in 31 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. India eventually reached 143/5 in 22.4 overs, completing the chase comfortably.

Kamboj was named Player of the Match for his impressive bowling performance. The victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the series, with the second ODI scheduled to be played in Wellington on Saturday.