Virat Kohli reigned supreme once again with a fluent 93 off 91 balls, while skipper Shubman Gill struck 56, as India survived a late scare to notch up a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the opening ODI of the three-match series here on Sunday.
Chasing 301, India appeared firmly in control before a sudden collapse injected drama into the contest. The hosts eventually crossed the line at 306 for 6 in 49 overs, but not before New Zealand threatened an unlikely comeback.
Kohli fell agonisingly short of what would have been his 54th ODI century, departing in the 40th over with India needing 67 runs from 66 balls and seven wickets in hand. His dismissal triggered a wobble as Ravindra Jadeja (4) and Shreyas Iyer (49) followed soon after, opening the door for the visitors.
However, KL Rahul (29 not out) held his nerve, adding a crucial 37-run stand with Harshit Rana (29) before guiding India home alongside an injury-hit Washington Sundar (7 not out). New Zealand were also let down by a couple of uncharacteristic dropped catches in the closing stages.
It was Kyle Jamieson (4/41) who spearheaded New Zealand’s fightback, dismissing Kohli with a catch at mid-on and removing both Iyer and Jadeja to briefly tilt the momentum.
Despite missing out on a century, Kohli achieved a major milestone during his knock, becoming the fastest batter to reach 28,000 international runs, overtaking Kumar Sangakkara and moving behind only Sachin Tendulkar on the all-time list.
With New Zealand fielding a depleted bowling attack, Kohli dominated from the outset, unfurling a series of crisp drives and authoritative boundary shots. He was particularly severe on young leg-spinner Adithya Ashok, who bore the brunt of Kohli’s fluent strokeplay.
There was an element of luck too, as Kohli survived an inside edge off debutant Kristian Clarke that narrowly missed the stumps. Alongside Gill, he stitched together a pivotal 118-run second-wicket partnership, calmly controlling the chase even during a boundary drought of 52 balls.
Gill brought up his 16th ODI half-century but appeared to struggle with cramps as the innings progressed. After receiving on-field treatment, he fell attempting to force the pace, holing out to mid-off for a 71-ball 56, which included three fours and two sixes.
India’s chase began cautiously before Rohit Sharma (26) took charge early, smashing a few trademark sixes to bring up 650 sixes in international cricket. However, Jamieson outfoxed him in the ninth over as Rohit miscued a big hit.
Earlier, Daryl Mitchell anchored New Zealand’s innings with a commanding 84 off 71 balls, rescuing his side after a strong opening stand faded. Openers Devon Conway (56) and Henry Nicholls (62) had put on 117 runs for the first wicket, laying a solid platform.
India clawed back through Harshit Rana (2/65), whose second spell turned the tide as New Zealand slipped from 117 without loss to 198 for five. Mitchell then forged vital partnerships, while debutant Clarke chipped in with a brisk 24 not out at the death to take New Zealand to a competitive 300 for 8.
Brief scores:
New Zealand 300/8 in 50 overs (Devon Conway 56, Henry Nicholls 62, Daryl Mitchell 84; Harshit Rana 2/65, Mohammed Siraj 2/40, Prasidh Krishna 2/60)
India 306/6 in 49 overs (Virat Kohli 93, Shubman Gill 56; Kyle Jamieson 4/41)
