India vs New Zealand 1st ODI Highlights: Virat Kohli Misses Ton, Thrilling Win For India
India vs New Zealand 1st ODI Highlights: Virat Kohli Misses Ton, KL Rahul Seals Thrilling Win For India
The 2026 international cricket season kicked off with a high-octane encounter as the India vs New Zealand 1st ODI Highlights became the talk of the town. In a match that swung like a pendulum at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, India managed to chase down a daunting target of 301. While the legendary Virat Kohli fell just short of a historic century, it was the composure of KL Rahul and the grit of the lower order that ensured India started the series with a bang.
New Zealand Posts a Challenging 300/8
After India won the toss and elected to field, the BlackCaps showed immense discipline. Openers Devon Conway (56) and Henry Nicholls (62) neutralized the new ball, putting on a solid 117-run opening stand. The early phase of the India vs New Zealand 1st ODI Highlights belonged to the visitors as they took advantage of a flat Vadodara track.
However, India’s pace trio of Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna pulled things back in the middle overs. Daryl Mitchell was the standout performer for the Kiwis, smashing 84 off 71 balls. His counter-attacking knock propelled New Zealand to 300/8, a total that many felt was par for the course but required a clinical chase from the Men in Blue.
Virat Kohli’s Record-Breaking Masterclass
India’s chase was headlined by a milestone that will be remembered for years. During the India vs New Zealand 1st ODI Highlights, Virat Kohli became the fastest player in cricket history to reach 28,000 international runs. Achieving this feat in his 624th innings, he eclipsed Sachin Tendulkar’s record, proving once again why he is the modern-day master of the game.
Kohli looked in sublime touch, unfurling his signature cover drives and flicking the ball with precision. Alongside captain Shubman Gill (56), Kohli added 118 runs for the second wicket. At 234/2, it looked like India would cruise to victory, and fans were eagerly anticipating Kohli’s 51st ODI ton.
The Kyle Jamieson Scare
The narrative took a dramatic turn when Kyle Jamieson entered his second spell. In a devastating burst, Jamieson dismissed Kohli for 93, leaving the stadium in stunned silence. Kohli’s dismissal triggered a mini-collapse as Shreyas Iyer (49) and Ravindra Jadeja (4) also fell in quick succession. From a position of absolute control, the India vs New Zealand 1st ODI Highlights shifted toward a potential heartbreak for the home side.
KL Rahul and Harshit Rana: The Finishers
With 59 runs still needed and the recognized batters back in the pavilion, the pressure was immense. Youngster Harshit Rana, playing a brilliant all-round role, struck a vital 29 off 23 balls to bring the target within reach. When Rana was dismissed in the 47th over, all eyes turned to KL Rahul.
Rahul, often criticized for his strike rate in tight chases, silenced his doubters with a “cool as a cucumber” performance. With an injured Washington Sundar at the other end, Rahul took charge in the 49th over. The India vs New Zealand 1st ODI Highlights reached their climax as Rahul smashed Kristian Clarke for back-to-back boundaries before finishing the game with a monstrous six over deep mid-wicket.
Key Performances and Match Summary
| Player | Stats | Impact |
| Virat Kohli | 93 (91) | Fastest to 28,000 Int’l runs; MOTM |
| Daryl Mitchell | 84 (71) | Anchored the NZ innings |
| Kyle Jamieson | 4/41 | Career-best ODI spell |
| KL Rahul | 29* (21) | Sealed the game with 4, 4, 6 |
| Harshit Rana | 2/65 & 29 | Match-winning all-round contribution |
Conclusion: India Leads 1-0
The India vs New Zealand 1st ODI Highlights perfectly captured the essence of 50-over cricket—unpredictable, dramatic, and defined by individual brilliance. Despite New Zealand’s relentless fighting spirit and Jamieson’s four-wicket haul, India’s depth proved to be the difference.
Virat Kohli was rightfully named Player of the Match for his record-breaking 93, even if he missed out on the three-figure mark. India now heads to Rajkot for the second ODI with a 1-0 lead, while New Zealand will be looking to iron out their death-bowling issues.
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