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1st ODI at Vadodara
In an exciting start to the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, Team India emerged victorious in the first One Day International, held on January 11, 2026, at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. The hosts chased down a competitive target to secure a four-wicket win and take a 1–0 lead in the series.
New Zealand Set a Challenging Target
New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first, posting a respectable total of 300/8 in their allotted 50 overs. The Kiwi innings was built around strong contributions from Daryl Mitchell (84), Henry Nicholls (62), and Devon Conway (56). Their partnership ensured New Zealand put up a solid total that tested India’s bowling attack.
Indian bowlers responded with disciplined spells. Harshit Rana and Mohammed Siraj were among the wicket-takers for India, each claiming two scalps, while Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav chipped in to restrict the Kiwis to 300.
India’s Chase: Kohli Anchors the Victory
Chasing a target of 301, India got off to a measured start. The middle order took control when Virat Kohli walked in and played one of his commanding innings of the season. Kohli top-scored with 93 runs off 91 balls, anchoring India’s chase with a brilliant blend of aggression and composure that kept the required run rate in check throughout.
Shubman Gill complemented Kohli’s effort with a solid 56 runs, putting on a crucial partnership that stabilized the innings after early wickets. Shreyas Iyer also contributed with a valuable 49 runs that provided important momentum for the chase.
As the game progressed, New Zealand’s bowlers applied pressure, with Kyle Jamieson troubling the Indian batting line-up and grabbing four wickets. At a point, India needed quick runs as the match became tighter than expected.
Lower-Order Contribution and Finishing Touches
India’s lower order, particularly Harshit Rana and KL Rahul, played critical roles in the closing phase. Rahul remained unbeaten on 29 off 21 balls*, guiding India through the final overs with crucial boundaries and taking calculated risks at key moments. This ensured the victory with six balls to spare, finishing the innings at 306/6.
Match Highlights & Turning Points
- Target: 301 set by New Zealand after posting 300/8.
- India’s Response: Clinched the chase at 306/6 (49 overs), winning by 4 wickets.
- Player of the Match: Virat Kohli, for his pivotal knock of 93 runs.
- Key Partnerships: Kohli and Gill’s 118-run stand provided the backbone of India’s chase.
- Crucial Contributions: Lower-order hitting from KL Rahul and Harshit Rana ensured no late collapse.
Analysis: India’s Batting Comes Through Under Pressure
While New Zealand’s total was competitive and well-structured, India’s batting demonstrated a blend of top-order experience and lower-order resilience. Kohli’s near-century — his first major knock of the year — set the tone, and his partnership with Gill ensured India never lost track of the target.
The match’s turning point was arguably India’s ability to absorb pressure mid-innings. After a steady start, New Zealand’s attacking bowling, especially from Jamieson, briefly put India on the back foot. However, key counterattacks by Iyer, and later by the finishing duo of Rahul and Rana, maintained the momentum in India’s favour.
Bowling Performance and Field Effort
India’s bowling unit made inroads early and often, preventing New Zealand from building a massive total. Combined with sharp fielding — including athletic saves and tight ground fielding — the team’s overall performance reflected a balanced approach on a batting-friendly surface.
What This Win Means
This tight win will be an encouraging start for India in the ODI series, especially at home, and sets the tone for the remaining matches. A series lead brings confidence to the squad, but with two more matches to play, New Zealand will look to bounce back, making the upcoming games more exciting for cricket fans.
Looking Ahead
The second game of the series will follow soon and both teams are expected to make tactical changes based on this first match’s takeaways. India’s batting depth and bowling adaptability will be key elements, while New Zealand will seek to tighten their bowling and build stronger partnerships in their chase scenarios.
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