After a great T20I series, India started the ODI series with precision, defeating New Zealand. Veteran batter Virat Kohli struck a commanding 74 off 51 balls after Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar and Anshul Kamboj produced scintillating bowling performances as India beat New Zealand by five wickets in a rain-affected first ODI at Eden Park on Wednesday. India’s inexperienced pace attack produced an impressive collective performance to bowl New Zealand out for 185 in 40.2 overs. In response, the visitors chased down a revised target of 143 in 22.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Arshdeep Singh was the pick of the bowlers. His four scalps were the highlight of India’s bowling effort, as was his special celebration.
“That’s for my girlfriend. We do these dance steps when we’re out walking or something like that. Whenever the mood is a little low, we cheer each other up with that celebration. So this was for her,” Arshdeep said.
Arshdeep gets Jamieson, and adds another celebration to his ever-growing collection! 😂 Watch the HERO VIDA India Tour of New Zealand 1st ODI, LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels, Sony LIV & Sony Vizha. #SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV #SonyVizha #NZvIND https://t.co/GvQa8ukMcm
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) November 4, 2026
The chase was interrupted twice by rain, with the contest eventually reduced to 32 overs and India’s target revised to 143 under the DLS method. Kohli brought up his half-century after the second resumption, reaching the milestone off 35 deliveries with a powerful pull through mid-wicket in the 16th over.
The experienced batter continued to dominate New Zealand’s short-ball approach, striking 13 fours and a six. His innings also saw him move past Sachin Tendulkar to become the highest run-scorer in ODI run chases, taking his tally to 8,741 runs, compared to Tendulkar’s 8,720.
Gill provided steady support with 37 off 56 balls as the duo added a century partnership, their sixth 100-plus stand in 27 ODI innings together. New Zealand finally broke through when Nathan Smith had Gill caught behind for 37 in the 19th over.
Kohli, however, continued to keep India comfortably ahead of the required rate before Jacob Duffy dismissed him for 74, caught by Tim Seifert at deep backward square leg. Duffy struck again in the same over, removing Axar Patel for a duck, while Shreyas Iyer fell for 15 to give the hosts a late glimmer of hope.
But the result was never seriously in doubt. KL Rahul and Plant Man ensured there were no further complications, with the latter pulling Nathan Smith through mid-wicket for four to seal the win.
With IANS inputs
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