India Beat New Zealand by 4 Wickets in 1st ODI

India sealed a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in a gripping ODI that swung sharply in the final hour, turning what looked like a routine chase into a nervy finish at the Kotambi Stadium. Chasing 301, India reached 306 for 6 with six balls to spare, surviving a late collapse triggered by Kyle Jamieson’s decisive burst.

What had been a largely controlled pursuit suddenly demanded composure under pressure, and India found just enough calm to get over the line.

New Zealand Build a Competitive Total

New Zealand’s 300 for 8 was built on a solid top-order platform, with Daryl Mitchell anchoring the innings with a measured 84. He found support from Henry Nicholls (62) and Devon Conway (56), as the visitors negotiated the middle overs sensibly on a surface that offered true bounce early before slowing later in the day.

India’s bowlers struggled for sustained control, particularly at the death, but timely breakthroughs prevented the total from drifting beyond reach. Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana picked up two wickets each, ensuring New Zealand were forced to settle for a chaseable score rather than a daunting one. 

Kohli Sets the Tone in the Chase

Shubman Gill continued his strong run of form, striking a fluent 56, while Virat Kohli (93) once again took centre stage in a chase that suited his method perfectly. The pair added 118 for the second wicket, blending caution with precision to keep the required rate firmly in check.

Kohli’s innings was built on control rather than excess. He started assertively, stepping into the seamers and releasing early pressure before settling into a rhythm that allowed him to dictate terms. Shreyas Iyer, returning from injury, provided ideal support, scoring 49 that pushed India deep into the chase.

Jamieson Sparks a Sudden Twist

At 233 for 2, with Kohli unbeaten on 93, India appeared firmly in control. The target was shrinking, wickets were in hand, and the atmosphere suggested another composed finish was imminent.

Kyle Jamieson had other ideas, as Kohli’s attempt to accelerate ended in frustration, falling just short of a century. In the space of seven deliveries, Jamieson also removed Ravindra Jadeja and a well-set Iyer, dragging New Zealand back into a contest that had seemed all but decided.

Rahul and Lower Order See India Home

Suddenly, India required 59 from 53 balls with five wickets down. With Washington Sundar restricted by a side strain and unable to run freely, pressure mounted. Harshit Rana, primarily selected for his bowling, was thrust into an unexpected role but responded with a valuable 29 off 23 balls, surviving a dropped chance along the way.

Rana’s dismissal with 22 still required ensured there would be no comfortable finish. Washington focused on strike rotation as KL Rahul assumed responsibility. Calm and calculated, Rahul waited for the right moment before delivering the decisive blows, striking debutant Kristian Clarke for 4, 4, and 6 to seal the win with six balls to spare.