In the first ODI of the New Zealand tour of India 2026, India beat New Zealand by four wickets at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara.
New Zealand scored a competitive 300 after electing to bat, owing to good top-order contributions and a dominant innings from Daryl Mitchell. Mitchell anchored the innings with a dominating 84 off 71 balls, increasing the scoring rate with aggressiveness and keeping the scoreboard moving. Devon Conway (56) and Henry Nicholls (62) established a solid foundation with a 117-run stand, ensuring the visitors were comfortably placed at the midway point. However, after the partnership was broken, India’s pace assault struck at regular intervals, preventing New Zealand from gaining total control during the middle overs. Notably, late cameos from Kristian Clarke (24) and Kyle Jamieson (8) helped New Zealand reach 300.
India’s chase began calmly but without fanfare, with Rohit Sharma departing early for 26, handing over responsibility to Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli. The duo formed an important partnership, combining prudence and purpose to steady the innings following the early setback. Gill’s 56 provided assistance, while Kohli gradually altered gears to spearhead the pursuit with customary calm. Kohli’s smooth 93 was the backbone of India’s comeback, ensuring that the needed run rate never got out of hand. Shreyas Iyer (49) contributed to India’s victory, and despite a small wobble in the middle overs caused by Kyle Jamieson’s four-wicket haul, the hosts maintained control. KL Rahul‘s unbeaten 29 and Harshit Rana’s quick 29 helped India cross the line with four wickets in hand and an over to spare, capping off a controlled chase built on experience, partnerships and cool finishing.
Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna each took two wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav made a critical breakthrough to keep the score within reach.
As mentioned before, Kyle Jamieson’s four-wicket haul was the only impressive part from NZ’s bowlers. Tamil Nadu-born Adithya Ashok and Kristian Clarke also bagged one wicket each.
Virat Kohli was named Player of the Match for his powerful batting show. With this win, India have secured a lead in the series by 1-0.
Scorecard:
New Zealand: 300/8, Overs 50, Daryl Mitchell 84, Mohammed Siraj 2/40
India: 306/6, Overs 49, Virat Kohli 93, Kyle Jamieson 4/41
