India started the three-match ODI series against New Zealand in emphatic fashion, chasing down a competitive total to register a confident victory in the first ODI at Vadodara on January 11, 2026. A classic batting display from Virat Kohli, who was later named Player of the Match, proved to be the difference between the two sides.

New Zealand Innings: Solid Start, Late Surge to 300

New Zealand got off to a steady start after winning the toss, making good use of the powerplay without losing a wicket. Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls put up a real good platform as they added 79 runs for the opening wicket. While Nicholls reached his half-century off 60 balls, Conway wasn't too far behind his partner as he reached a well-paced fifty himself.

The mid overs saw India make a comeback through regular wickets, but New Zealand continued to add to their score through partnerships. Daryl Mitchell made a very important contribution to their cause as they needed a thrust, which he gave, scoring a quick 50 off 51 deliveries. Although New Zealand lost some wickets in the death overs, they finished very strongly, scoring 300/8 in 50 overs.

India Innings Kohli Masterclass Seals the Chase

India’s response had a slight hiccup in the powerplay, but then the innings was settled by Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli. Kohli was in impeccable form from the very beginning, rotating the strike with ease and then slamming loose balls. It did not take him long to reach his fifty, which came off just 44 deliveries.

Gill partnered the captain well in thiscase with his patient fifty, thus keeping India ahead of the required pace after the partnership. However, after Gill got out, the captain continues to hold the innings steady with some support from Shreyas Iyer in the middle overs.
Although Kohli got out for a breathtaking 93 off 91 balls, thanks to a successful New Zealand review, the damage had already been wrought. India eased past the 300-run mark in 48.5 overs, finishing off the chase with authority.

Result & Key Points

New Zealand: 300/8 in 50 overs

India: 300+ in 48.5

Player of the Match : Virat Kohli (93 off 91 balls)

A composed innings by the India batsmen, in particular the proximity to a century by Kohli, has given the team the upper hand in the ODI series with 1-0 in hand. It has been a spirited show by the New Zealand batsmen, but it was no match for the skills of the India team in the end.

  The upcoming ODI series shows promise of thrilling cricket as both teams look ahead to the next match with