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| Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill put on a 118-run stand |
India held their nerve to defeat New Zealand by four wickets in a tense first ODI at Vadodara, but not before a dramatic late twist threatened to derail what had looked like a comfortable chase. Half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill laid the foundation, while KL Rahul calmly guided India home after a sudden collapse.
Kohli and Gill Put India in Control
Chasing a target of 301, India got off to a strong start thanks to a fluent partnership between Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli. Gill played with confidence and intent, scoring 56, while Kohli once again showed why he remains India’s most reliable chaser.
Kohli mixed classic timing with aggressive stroke play. He attacked early, putting pressure on New Zealand’s inexperienced bowling attack, and then expertly controlled the middle overs. His knock of 93 looked set for another century, continuing his excellent ODI form.
The pair added 118 runs for the second wicket, putting India firmly in control and leaving New Zealand searching for answers.
Jamieson Sparks Sudden Collapse
Just when the match seemed to be slipping away from New Zealand, Kyle Jamieson turned it on its head. In a stunning spell, he removed Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shreyas Iyer in the space of just 13 balls.
Kohli fell trying to force the pace, mistiming a shot off Jamieson. Jadeja and Iyer soon followed, both undone by deliveries that held up on the black-soil surface. Suddenly, India were under pressure, needing 59 runs from 53 balls with five wickets left.
What had been a routine chase turned into a nervy finish.
Rana and Rahul Keep Calm
With Washington Sundar struggling with a side strain, the responsibility fell on KL Rahul and lower-order batter Harshit Rana. Rana played a fearless cameo, scoring 29 off 23 balls and taking on the bowlers when India needed momentum.
Rahul, meanwhile, played the perfect supporting role. He rotated the strike, avoided risks, and ensured the target kept coming down. Even after Rana was dismissed with 22 runs still needed, Rahul remained composed.
The winning moment came when Rahul struck debutant Kristian Clarke for 4, 4, and 6 in the final over, sealing victory with six balls to spare.
New Zealand’s Effort Falls Just Short
Earlier, New Zealand had posted a competitive 300 for 8 after being put in to bat. Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, and Daryl Mitchell all made valuable contributions, with Mitchell top-scoring with 84.
However, India’s bowlers kept striking at key moments. Harshit Rana impressed with two wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav removed the dangerous Glenn Phillips. Despite strong partnerships, New Zealand failed to fully capitalise on their starts.
In the end, their total proved just short, especially against an Indian batting line-up that dominated most of the chase.
Takeaways from the Match
Virat Kohli continues to thrive in ODI chases, even though he narrowly missed out on a century.
Shubman Gill remains a key pillar at the top of the order.
Kyle Jamieson showed his ability to change games quickly.
Harshit Rana impressed again, proving his value as a lower-order contributor.
KL Rahul’s composure under pressure once again stood out.
India take a 1–0 lead in the series, but New Zealand will take heart from how they pushed the hosts deep into the final overs. With more matches to come, this series promises plenty more drama.
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