Vadodara, India – In a gripping display of One-Day International cricket, India clinched a nail-biting four-wicket victory over a spirited New Zealand side in the first ODI at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. The match, played on Sunday, January 11, 2026, saw India navigate a challenging chase of 301, ultimately reaching the target with six balls to spare thanks to ice-cool finishing from KL Rahul and crucial contributions throughout the innings. This hard-fought win serves as a testament to India’s batting depth and composure under pressure, while New Zealand, despite missing several key players, showcased remarkable resilience.

New Zealand’s Resilient Total

The day began with India skipper Shubman Gill winning the toss and opting to bowl first, a decision likely influenced by the prospect of evening dew on the Vadodara pitch. The Kotambi Stadium, making its debut as a men’s international venue, presented a ‘tricky pitch’ with a ‘black soil surface’ where ‘300 could be very competitive’, as noted in the pitch report. New Zealand, fielding a squad with several new faces and debutants like Zakary Foulkes, Kristian Clarke, and Adithya Ashok, and led by Michael Bracewell in the absence of Mitchell Santner, Kane Williamson, and Tom Latham, posted a challenging total of 300 for 8.

Despite ‘probing opening spells’ from Indian pacers Harshit Rana and Mohammed Siraj, the Blackcaps’ top order laid a solid foundation. Henry Nicholls (62 off 60 balls) and Devon Conway (56 off 60 balls) stitched together a crucial 117-run opening partnership, the first 50-plus stand for New Zealand against India in India in 10 ODIs. Their steady accumulation highlighted the ‘slower wicket’ conditions. However, India’s bowlers fought back in the middle overs. Harshit Rana provided the crucial first breakthrough, dismissing Nicholls, and then followed up by rattling Conway’s stumps. Mohammed Siraj also chipped in with two wickets, as did Prasidh Krishna. The standout for New Zealand was Daryl Mitchell, who struck a superb counter-attacking 84 off 71 balls, guiding the visitors past the 250-run mark and ensuring a competitive total. As Mitchell himself reflected, ‘the way we scrapped our way to that total on this surface gives us something to bowl at’.

India’s Chase: Records and Momentum

Chasing 301, India’s innings began with aggressive intent from Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Rohit, continuing his attacking approach, smashed a ‘brilliant boundary’ off Zakary Foulkes and a six off Kyle Jamieson, breaking the world record for the most international maximums, reaching an astounding 650 sixes. He fell for a quickfire 26, bringing Virat Kohli to the crease. What followed was a masterclass in ODI batting.

Shubman Gill, making a strong comeback after his T20 World Cup snub and recent injury concerns, showcased his class with a fluent 56 off 71 balls, registering his 16th ODI fifty. He formed a formidable 118-run partnership with Virat Kohli, who was in scintillating form. Kohli, ‘looking set from the word go’, reached his ODI fifty in just 44 balls and continued to dominate the Kiwi bowling attack. During his innings, Kohli achieved two significant milestones: he surpassed Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-leading run-scorer in international cricket history (now behind only Sachin Tendulkar), and more remarkably, became the fastest player to reach 28,000 international runs, achieving the feat in his 624th innings – an impressive 20 innings fewer than Sachin Tendulkar.

With Kohli (nearing a century) and Shreyas Iyer (solid at 37 off 32) at the crease, India appeared to be ‘right on top’ and cruising, needing ‘just 81 runs in 84 balls’.

The Kohli Wicket and a Tense Finish

However, the match took a dramatic turn, living up to its original billing of ‘India Lose Plot After Virat Kohli’s Wicket’. Kyle Jamieson, who had dismissed Rohit Sharma earlier, returned to deliver a pivotal spell. He ‘cleaned up’ Shreyas Iyer for 49, missing his fifty, and then, much to the dismay of Indian fans, dismissed Virat Kohli for a magnificent 93 off 91 balls. Kohli, ‘missed his 85th international century by a margin of just seven runs’ when he lofted a shot to mid-off. These quick wickets, coupled with Ravindra Jadeja’s dismissal for 4, suddenly left India reeling at 242-5 (41.1 overs) from a comfortable 234-2. Jamieson’s spell of 4 for 41 was instrumental in bringing New Zealand ‘back into the game’, making him a ‘star’ performer.

The required run rate climbed, and the pressure mounted on the hosts. India needed ’56 runs in 48 balls’. Harshit Rana, displaying unexpected batting prowess, smashed a vital 29 off 23 balls, including a crucial ‘BIGGIE’ six and a boundary, injecting momentum back into the chase. His dismissal, however, added another twist, leaving India needing 22 from 22 balls. The tension was palpable, further heightened by Washington Sundar’s injury concerns, making him ‘struggling to run’.

KL Rahul’s Composed Heroics

It all came down to the calm and composed KL Rahul. With India needing 12 runs from the final 12 balls, the wicketkeeper-batter took charge in the penultimate over. Exhibiting ‘cool as a cucumber’ temperament, Rahul first played a ‘lap shot for four’, then ‘pierced the covers for another boundary’, before ‘launching a BIGGIE to seal the victory for India’. His unbeaten 29 off 21 balls was a ‘professional act’ that saw India cross the finish line with four wickets in hand and six balls to spare.

Analysis and Implications

This match was more than just an ODI victory; it was a character-defining performance for India. The win underscored several key takeaways:

• Batting Depth and Finishing Ability: While Virat Kohli’s record-breaking knock laid the foundation, the contributions from Shubman Gill, Harshit Rana, and particularly KL Rahul’s finishing prowess, highlighted India’s robust batting lineup. Rahul’s ability to remain ‘calm and composed’ under immense pressure will be crucial for India’s future white-ball campaigns.
• Kohli’s Unrelenting Form: Even without the century, Kohli’s impact was undeniable. His record-breaking achievements cement his status as one of the game’s all-time greats and underscore his consistent, high-impact performances.
• New Zealand’s Fighting Spirit: Despite a heavily rotated squad missing numerous frontline players, Michael Bracewell’s side demonstrated immense fight. Daryl Mitchell’s innings, Jamieson’s incisive spell, and the team’s ability to ‘claw their way back into the game’ after India’s strong start speak volumes about their cricketing culture. This series provides a vital platform for their young talents, especially with an upcoming World Cup in India.
• Gill’s Captaincy and Combinations: Shubman Gill, making his captaincy debut in this format, showed strategic thinking by opting to bowl first and trying ‘different kinds of combinations’. The inclusion of Harshit Rana, who delivered with both bat and ball, suggests a search for versatile players.
• Vadodara’s Debut: The successful hosting of an international men’s fixture at the Kotambi Stadium marks a significant moment for Vadodara, promising more top-tier cricket in the future.

In conclusion, the first ODI between India and New Zealand was a thrilling encounter that had it all – record-breaking feats, significant milestones, a spirited comeback, and a nail-biting finish. India’s ability to hold their nerve and secure a win against a determined New Zealand side bodes well for the remainder of the series, hinting at more exciting cricket to come.

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