Vintage Kohli Anchors India’s 301 Chase as Hosts Take 1-0 Series Lead

Virat Kohli once again stood at the heart of India’s success, steering the chase with authority and calm as India opened the New Zealand tour of India ODI series with a composed four-wicket victory in the first ODI at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium, Vadodara.

Chasing a competitive target of 301, India crossed the line with an over to spare on Sunday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Kohli’s fluent 93 anchored the pursuit, ensuring the chase never drifted out of control even as wickets fell at regular intervals. His presence at the crease brought stability and belief, a familiar sight for Indian fans, as he guided the middle phase of the innings before falling late to Kyle Jamieson with victory in sight.

Earlier, put in to bat, New Zealand posted a competitive 300 for eight in their allotted 50 overs, riding on solid contributions from both the top and middle order. Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls laid a steady foundation with a 117-run opening stand. Conway played fluently for his 56 off 67 balls before Harshit Rana provided the breakthrough, while Nicholls anchored the innings with a well-paced 62, also falling to Rana as India clawed back momentum.

Will Young failed to convert his start, departing for 12, but Daryl Mitchell injected urgency into the innings with an aggressive 84 off 71 deliveries, finding the boundary consistently through the middle overs. Glenn Phillips chipped in briefly before Kuldeep Yadav dismissed him, while Mitchell Hay added late momentum with a brisk 18. Captain Michael Bracewell’s stay was cut short by sharp fielding from Shreyas Iyer, resulting in a run-out. Lower down the order, debutant Kristian Clarke impressed with an unbeaten 24, and Kyle Jamieson supported him to ensure New Zealand breached the 300-run mark.

India’s bowling effort was led by Harshit Rana, who picked up two crucial wickets, while Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna struck at important intervals. The spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja maintained control through the middle overs, preventing the visitors from accelerating freely and keeping the total within reach.

India’s reply began with an early setback as Rohit Sharma fell for 26. Shubman Gill then steadied the innings with a composed 56, forging key partnerships with Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. Gill’s calm approach allowed Kohli to settle quickly, and together they kept the required rate firmly in check. After Kohli’s departure, Iyer followed soon after with a brisk 49, but India remained on course.

The responsibility of finishing the chase fell to K.L. Rahul, who once again delivered under pressure with an unbeaten 29. Supported ably by Harshit Rana and Washington Sundar, Rahul’s calm presence ensured India reached 306 for six in 49 overs, sealing a confident victory.

Shubman Gill (India captain):

“It always feels good to contribute, especially while chasing. For athletes, staying in the moment is crucial, and that’s something I really focus on. Right now, Virat is making batting look effortless, even though these pitches aren’t easy to start on. What he does is hard to replicate, and hopefully, he continues scoring plenty of runs.

Arshdeep had a strong last series, and Siraj wasn’t available then. Since we don’t play too many ODIs, rotation is important for us. Washington has picked up a side strain and will be going for a scan after the match.”

Michael Bracewell (New Zealand captain):

“We can take a lot of pride in our performance, although there are a few areas we’d like to clean up. If we’d managed another 20 runs, it could’ve been a very different contest. I was really hoping Kyle would be able to bowl a 15-over spell — it’s always great watching him steam in.

We’ve got plenty of experience in our batting line-up, and that’s something we’ll continue to rely on. Mitchell did an excellent job today. We often speak about creating match-turning moments in the field, and that remains a key focus for us.”

Virat Kohli (Player of the Match):

“I dedicate every award to my mother because it brings her immense happiness. When I reflect on my career so far, it truly feels unreal. I always trusted my skill set, but consistent effort was essential to reach this stage. I feel incredibly fortunate for everything life and cricket have given me, and I carry a deep sense of thankfulness.

At this point, numbers or landmarks are not on my mind. Had we set the target, I would have looked more aggressive. Experience certainly helps, but the priority was always pushing the side into a strong, match-winning situation. My role remains clear at number three—when conditions demand, I look to shift momentum positively without attempting anything excessive.

Early on, I sensed an opportunity to build momentum quickly through a short, impactful stand. As for the reactions when a wicket falls before I walk in, I don’t particularly enjoy that. I witnessed similar moments during MS Dhoni’s time. I understand the emotion from the stands, but my attention stays firmly on the contest.

The love from supporters is something I value deeply. Knowing people come to watch me play is humbling, and seeing smiles in the crowd genuinely lifts my spirits. It’s something I’ll always cherish.”

Also Read: Virat Kohli Becomes Second-Highest Run Scorer in International Cricket