Kohli’s Milestones and Rahuls’ Finisher Seal India’s Four-Wicket Win Over New Zealand in ODI Opener

Vadodara, Jan 2026 : In a thrilling start to the three-match ODI series, India secured a hard-fought four-wicket victory over New Zealand at the Kotambi International Stadium (BCA) in Vadodara on Sunday, taking a 1-0 lead. Half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill, coupled with a composed 29 not out from KL Rahul, guided the Men in Blue past New Zealand’s challenging 300-run total.

The chase began with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill taking command from the outset. Rohit made his intentions clear with a six in the very first over and, during his time at the crease, broke a historic milestone, becoming the first player in international cricket to hit 650 sixes. However, his stay was cut short by Kyle Jamieson after scoring 26 off 29 balls.

The spotlight quickly shifted to Virat Kohli, who came to the crease with multiple records in sight. Needing just 25 runs to reach 28,000 international runs, Kohli achieved the milestone with a boundary off Adithya Ashok in the 13th over, becoming the fastest cricketer to reach 28,000 runs in 624 innings—20 fewer than Sachin Tendulkar. In the process, Kohli also surpassed Kumar Sangakkara’s career tally of 28,016 runs, moving into second place on the all-time international run-scorers list, behind Tendulkar’s 34,357 runs.

Kohli and Gill formed a dominant 118-run partnership that carried India to 100 with relative ease. Kohli’s aggressive yet calculated approach saw him reach a fifty in 44 deliveries, while Gill, returning from an injury and making his first international appearance since the T20 World Cup snub, hit his 16th ODI half-century off 66 balls.

Gill’s innings ended in the 27th over when he was caught at extra cover by Glenn Phillips, scoring 56 off 71 balls. Shreyas Iyer then joined Kohli at the crease, immediately showing intent by dispatching leg-spinner Adithya Ashok for two fours and a six. The pair added 77 runs for the third wicket, providing stability to India’s chase.

However, Kyle Jamieson’s towering presence turned the tide for New Zealand. He dismissed Kohli for 93 on the first ball of the 40th over and then removed Ravindra Jadeja cheaply at the end of the same over. Returning in the 42nd over, Jamieson trapped Iyer for 49, triggering a mini-collapse. With Washington Sundar injured earlier, Harshit Rana came in at No. 7. He managed 29 off 23 balls, hitting a couple of fours and a six, before falling to debutant Kristian Clarke, who claimed his first ODI wicket.

As the target dwindled alongside the deliveries, KL Rahul’s composure proved decisive. With India needing just a few runs from the final over, Rahul struck consecutive boundaries to bring the target down to one run with seven balls remaining. He then dispatched a towering six to finish the chase, securing a four-wicket win for India with an over to spare.

Earlier, New Zealand had posted a competitive 300/8 after being invited to bat. The visiting openers, Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls, started cautiously on a slow pitch but accelerated steadily. Conway and Nicholls reached half-centuries in the 20th over, forming a 117-run opening stand—their first century partnership away from home since 2019. Conway contributed 56, while Nicholls made 62.

India fought back through disciplined bowling and excellent fielding. Harshit Rana and KL Rahul’s efforts removed the openers, shifting momentum toward the Men in Blue. Mohammed Siraj removed Will Young, and Kuldeep Yadav trapped Glenn Phillips, leaving New Zealand at 153/4 in 30 overs.

Daryl Mitchell anchored the innings for New Zealand with a composed 84, ensuring the side maintained momentum even as wickets fell at the other end. Mitchell’s innings highlighted patience and control, but India’s bowlers tightened their grip during the final overs. Michael Bracewell was run out for 16, and Zakary Foulkes fell for a single.

Prasidh Krishna finally ended Mitchell’s resistance in the 48th over, dismissing him for 84. Late cameos from Kyle Jamieson and debutant Kristian Clarke helped New Zealand surpass 300 runs, with Krishna conceding 12 runs in the final over. The Kiwis finished at 300/8.

India’s victory was highlighted by Kohli’s scintillating 93 and Gill’s steady 56, forming the backbone of the chase. KL Rahul’s finishing prowess sealed the win in dramatic fashion. On the bowling side, Jamieson’s four wickets and Clarke’s debut strike kept the contest alive at crucial moments.

This ODI also marked several individual milestones for India. Kohli’s 28,000 international runs and overtaking of Sangakkara cemented his place as one of cricket’s all-time greats. Rohit Sharma’s record-breaking 650 sixes also added to the historic moments of the match.

The two sides will now move to Rajkot for the second ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium on Wednesday, where New Zealand will aim to level the series and India will look to consolidate their advantage.

Brief Scores:
New Zealand 300/8 in 50 overs (Daryl Mitchell 84, Henry Nicholls 62; Mohammed Siraj 2-40, Harshit Rana 2-65)
India 301/6 in 49 overs (Virat Kohli 93, Shubman Gill 56, KL Rahul 29*; Kyle Jamieson 4-41, Kristian Clarke 1-73) – India won by four wickets.

This opening encounter showcased India’s depth in batting, the ability to chase under pressure, and highlighted key milestones for some of the game’s leading players. Kohli’s record-breaking run, Gill’s comeback fifty, and Rahul’s finishing touch all contributed to a memorable ODI opener that sets the tone for an exciting series.

Team Maverick