India Beat New Zealand in First ODI as Kohli Falls Short of Century

Overview

India opened the ODI series with a four wicket win over New Zealand in Vadodara. Virat Kohli narrowly missed his 54th ODI hundred but crossed another historic milestone, becoming the second highest run scorer in international cricket across all formats.

Virat Kohli acknowledges the crowd after scoring 93 runs in the first ODI against New Zealand.
Image Source: Instagram/@indiancricketteam —Edited & Modified by Us

India started their ODI series against New Zealand with a confident four wicket victory on Sunday in Vadodara. While the hosts celebrated the win, Virat Kohli once again became the center of attention not just for his performance, but also for creating history.

Kohli Misses Century but Creates History

Virat Kohli played a classy innings of 93 runs, missing out on his 54th ODI century by a narrow margin. The veteran batter looked in complete control and anchored India chase of 301 with eight boundaries and a towering six before falling to Kyle Jamieson.

Although the crowd was visibly disappointed when Kohli was dismissed, they stood up to applaud him as he reached another remarkable milestone.

Kohli Becomes Second Highest Run Scorer in International Cricket

With his 77th ODI fifty, Kohli moved to 28,068 international runs, overtaking Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara (28,016). He now stands second on the all time list, behind only Sachin Tendulkar.

“When I look back at my journey, it feels like a dream,” Kohli said.

“I feel grateful, proud, and thankful for everything cricket has given me.”

New Zealand Openers Provide a Strong Start

New Zealand began strongly after India elected to field first, considering the evening dew factor.

Opening Partnership Puts India Under Pressure

Devon Conway (56) and Henry Nicholls (62) added 117 runs for the first wicket, putting India on the back foot early.

Harshit Rana changed the momentum by dismissing both openers in quick succession, slowing down the scoring rate.

Mitchell and Clarke Push New Zealand to 300

Daryl Mitchell top scored with a powerful 84, hitting five fours and three sixes. His aggressive batting helped New Zealand build a competitive total.

Kristian Clarke unbeaten 24 in the final overs pushed New Zealand to exactly 300 runs, giving the visitors something solid to defend.

Kohli and Gill Steady India Chase

India lost Rohit Sharma early, but Kohli and Shubman Gill formed a vital partnership.

Crucial Middle Order Stand

Gill played a composed knock of 56, supporting Kohli in a 118 run partnership that stabilized India innings.

Jamieson then turned the game with a fiery spell, dismissing Kohli, Jadeja, and Iyer in quick time, bringing New Zealand back into the contest.

Late Drama as Rahul Seals the Win

With India under pressure at 242-5, Harshit Rana played a valuable cameo of 29 before falling.

KL Rahul remained calm at the crease, scoring an unbeaten 29, and finished the match with two boundaries and a six, sealing victory in the penultimate over.

Series Update

India now lead the series 1-0, with the second ODI scheduled in Rajkot on Wednesday.

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