Kohli Leads India to Edge-of-Seat Victory in 1st ODI

Virat Kohli once again anchored India’s chase with a magnificent 93 off 91 balls, supported by captain Shubman Gill’s 56, as India scraped past New Zealand by four wickets in the first ODI in Vadodara. Chasing 301, India appeared to be cruising until Kohli’s dismissal in the 40th over triggered a sudden collapse. From a strong position needing 67 off 66 balls with seven wickets left, India slipped as Shreyas Iyer and Ravindra Jadeja fell quickly, giving New Zealand hope.

KL Rahul held his nerve with an unbeaten 29, adding crucial runs with Harshit Rana (29) and later finishing the job alongside an injured Washington Sundar (7*), helped by a few dropped chances from the visitors.

Kyle Jamieson kept New Zealand alive with an excellent spell of 4/41, removing Kohli, Iyer and Jadeja and dragging India into a tense finish. Despite missing his century, Kohli set another milestone—becoming the fastest player to reach 28,000 international runs.

Earlier, New Zealand posted 300/8, boosted by Daryl Mitchell’s attacking 84 after openers Devon Conway (56) and Henry Nicholls (62) added 117 for the first wicket. India fought back strongly through Harshit Rana’s double strike, slowing the visitors’ momentum before Kristian Clarke’s late cameo (24* off 17) pushed them to a competitive total.

But with Kohli in command for most of the chase, New Zealand’s total ultimately wasn’t enough, despite the late drama.