![Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill scored fifties vs NZ in 1st ODI [Source: BCCI/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768146151807_ViratKohliandShubmanGillvsNewZealand.jpg?type=hq)
Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill scored fifties vs NZ in 1st ODI [Source: BCCI/X.com]
India and New Zealand locked horns for their first international match of 2026 in Vadodara, as they play a three-match series before their focus shifts towards T20 cricket for the next few months. This city hosted its first international match since 2010, and the ebbs and flows in the match made the wait worthwhile for the fans.
As India clinched the nail-biting series opener by 4-wickets, thanks to KL Rahul's finishing touch of 29*(20), here's how the match unfolded.
Conway-Nicholls cause early troubles for India
After India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and put the Kiwis in to bat first, the visitors started cautiously at the start before picking up momentum and stitching a century stand for the first wicket. Both Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls scored fifties each — Nicholls tried to play a wide, slower one from Harshit Rana and edged it to KL Rahul at 62(69) with 7 fours to his name.
Rana soon struck again in his next over, as Conway chopped one on at 56(67) with six fours and a six, and the visitors went from 117/0 to 126/2.
Daryl Mitchell sets up a commanding finish
Having come in to bat after two quick wickets, Daryl Mitchell stabilised the innings with small partnerships and held on to the end, continuing his good form in ODIs, scoring 84 off 71 with five fours and three sixes. Later in the innings, Kristian Clarke's 24*(17) with three fours helped them finish with 300 on the board.
Meanwhile in the innings, following up Harshit's couple of wickets, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna also bowled well for their two wickets each. Siraj was the pick of India's bowlers with figures of 2/40 (8).
Prasidh notably bowled a classy delivery tailing in to beat Mitchell Hay's defence in the middle of a partnership, followed by Shreyas Iyer inflicting a crucial runout to dismiss the dangerous Michael Bracwell at the start of the final 10 overs.
Fifties from Kohli and Gill build a solid foundation for run-chase; Iyer returns in style
India's run-chase started with some powerful striking from Rohit Sharma, who scored 26(29) with three fours and two sixes, while captain Shubman Gill took his time to settle in on his return. Following Rohit's dismissal, the latter built a 118 (107) second-wicket partnership to put India in a comfortable position for the second half of the chase.
Gill got 56(71) before striking one off Adithya Ashok straight to Phillips at covers, while Virat Kohli went on to score a 93(91) with 8 fours and a six to his name. While trying to attack Kyle Jamieson, he hit one to the mid-off fielder as he looked to inch closer to Sachin Tendulkar's 100 centuries.
Before getting out, the Indian number 3 built an important 77(76) partnership with Iyer, who was returning from an injury and looked in good touch.
Kyle Jamieson turns the match around
Following former captain Rohit's wicket earlier in the innings, Jamieson once again proved handy for Bracewell, as he picked three wickets in two overs; notably, getting rid of both Kohli and Iyer (49) alongside Ravindra Jadeja for 4 (5). With Washington Sundar sustaining a strain in the first innings, India had to send in Harshit Rana to bat alongside KL Rahul to chase down the final 59 runs in 53 balls.
KL Rahul's composure takes India past the winning line
Despite the chaos around the final 10 overs, Harshit Rana stood his ground and scored a quick 29(23) to keep India in the match before getting out. Rahul got a well-made 29*(20) to provide the finishing touch as India won the match by 4 wickets with an over left. Washington Sundar chipped in with a 7*(7) despite a back injury.
Kyle Jamieson was New Zealand's best bowler on the night with 4/41 from his 10 overs.
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