India Beat New Zealand by Four Wickets in IND vs NZ 1st ODI 2026; Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill Hit Fifties As Men In Blue Go Up 1-0

India successfully chased down a challenging target of 301 runs to defeat New Zealand by four wickets in the IND vs NZ 1st ODI at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on Sunday. The victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match IND vs NZ T20I 2026 series and notably ends New Zealand's impressive nine-match winning streak in ODIs. The hosts, anchored by a superb 93 from Virat Kohli, navigated a tense finish to reach 306 for 6 with six balls to spare. Virat Kohli Surpasses Kumar Sangakkara To Become Second-Highest Run-Getter In International Cricket, Achieves Feat During IND vs NZ 1st ODI 2026.

Kohli Anchors India's Chase

In pursuit of 301, India's chase was spearheaded by a vintage performance from Virat Kohli. After the early dismissal of captain Rohit Sharma for 26, Kohli combined with Shubman Gill (56) for a significant 118-run second-wicket partnership. Kohli continued to build the innings, adding another 77 runs with Shreyas Iyer, who contributed a fluent 49 off 47 balls. Kohli's magnificent knock of 93 runs from 91 balls, featuring eight fours and one six, brought India close to the target before he was dismissed, narrowly missing out on a century. Virat Kohli Wicket Video: Watch India Ace Batter Miss Out on Century As Kyle Jamieson Dismisses Ex-RCB Teammate in IND vs NZ 1st ODI 2026.

Tense Finish Sees India Through

A sudden cluster of wickets, including Iyer's dismissal for 49 by Kyle Jamieson (4/41), created a moment of tension in the Indian dressing room. However, KL Rahul (29 not out) and Harshit Rana (29 off 23 balls) held their nerve under pressure, forging a crucial partnership to guide India across the finish line with six balls to spare. Rahul sealed the victory with timely boundaries in the penultimate over, ensuring India started their ODI series against New Zealand with a hard-fought win.

Kiwis Post Competitive Total

Earlier in the day, after India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bowl, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 300 for 8 from their allotted 50 overs. Openers Devon Conway (56 off 67 balls) and Henry Nicholls (62 off 69 balls) provided a solid foundation, stitching together a 117-run partnership. However, India's paceman Harshit Rana made crucial breakthroughs, dismissing both set openers in quick succession. Rohit Sharma Surpasses Chris Gayle To Become Opener With Most Sixes in ODI Cricket, Achieves Feat During IND vs NZ 1st ODI 2026.

Daryl Mitchell then played a pivotal counter-attacking innings, top-scoring for the Blackcaps with 84 runs off 71 deliveries, ensuring his side reached a formidable total despite regular wickets falling in the middle overs. Indian bowlers Mohammed Siraj (2/40), Prasidh Krishna (2/60), and Harshit Rana (2/65) each claimed two wickets. The second ODI of the series is scheduled for Wednesday at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 11, 2026 09:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).