Auckland: India began their five-match ODI series against New Zealand with a five-wicket victory in a rain-affected opening encounter at Eden Park on Wednesday. Virat Kohli led the chase with an impressive 74 off 51 balls, helping India reach the revised target of 143 under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.
India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision that paid off as the visitors’ pace attack dismantled the New Zealand batting line-up. The hosts were bowled out for 185 in 40.2 overs, struggling to build partnerships against India’s disciplined bowling.
Arshdeep Singh was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 70 runs, while Gurnoor Brar picked up three wickets for 44 runs. Anshul Kamboj also delivered an impressive performance, taking two wickets while conceding just 22 runs in his 10-over spell. His economical bowling earned him the Player of the Match award.
New Zealand’s Tim Seifert top-scored with 38 runs from 43 deliveries. Seifert, who came into the playing XI in place of the injured Devon Conway, was playing his first ODI in more than 18 months. Daryl Mitchell contributed 28, while Glenn Phillips also attempted to steady the innings as wickets continued to fall.
India’s bowling attack made early inroads, with Arshdeep removing Will Young and Henry Nicholls. Brar then added to the pressure with his pace and bounce, dismissing Seifert and wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham. Kamboj further restricted the hosts during the middle overs, while Kohli produced a spectacular diving catch at slip to dismiss Nathan Smith.
Rain interruptions affected India’s chase, leading to a revised target of 143 from 32 overs. The hosts made an early breakthrough when Kyle Jamieson dismissed Rohit Sharma for a duck, but Kohli and Gill steadied the innings.
Kohli took charge of the chase, finding the boundaries regularly and keeping the required run rate under control. The former India captain brought up his 80th half-century in ODI cricket and continued to dominate the New Zealand attack before being dismissed for 74 by Jacob Duffy.
Kohli’s innings came a day before his 38th birthday and once again highlighted his importance to India’s batting line-up. His contribution helped India remain on course despite the rain interruptions and the loss of wickets.
Gill also played a supporting role as India moved closer to the target, while the middle order ensured the visitors completed the chase with five wickets in hand.
The victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the five-match ODI series. The teams will next meet in Wellington on Saturday, November 7, with New Zealand looking to level the series on home soil.
