IND vs NZ 1st ODI — India Hold Their Nerve in a Classic Chase
On January 11, 2026, India and New Zealand locked horns in the 1st ODI of their three-match series at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Vadodara. In a match that swung momentum multiple times, India managed to clinch a hard-fought 4-wicket win, thanks largely to a masterclass from Virat Kohli (93). The victory gave India a 1–0 lead in the series and set the tone for what promises to be a compelling white-ball contest.
Toss and Team News
Shubman Gill captained India, and they won the toss and chose to bowl first.
Rishabh Pant, India’s star wicketkeeper-batter, was ruled out of the ODI series due to injury, forcing India to shuffle the batting order and wicketkeeper duties.
New Zealand Innings — Competitive 300+ Total
Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls provided a solid start, both showing maturity and patience to keep the scoreboard ticking through the initial overs
The platform was laid nicely for the middle order, and Daryl Mitchell top-scored with a fluent 84, finding boundaries and rotating strikes effectively.
Batter Runs Balls
Daryl Mitchell 84 71
Henry Nicholls 62 69
Devon Conway 56 67
New Zealand finished on 300/8 in their 50 overs, posting a competitive total that would prove tricky for the Indian chase.
India Chase — Kohli Anchors, Gill Steadies
The star of the chase was Virat Kohli, whose innings was central to India’s success:
Kohli scored 93 off 91 balls, missing out on a century by just seven runs but anchoring the entire chase with precision.
His knock included eight fours and one six and was laced with crisp timing, smart running between the wickets, and calm decision-making under pressure.
Captain Shubman Gill played a composed innings of 56 from 71 balls, anchoring the innings and rotating strike effectively.
Virat Kohli 93
Shubman Gill 56
KL Rahul 29*
Harshit Rana 29
Rohit Sharma 26
India take a 1–0 lead in the ODI series after a thrilling start.
India and New Zealand will face off in the 2nd ODI on January 14, 2026, in Rajkot.