Virat Kohli once again proved decisive in a high-pressure chase, striking a composed 93 to steer India to a nervy four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first ODI of the three-match series here on Sunday.
Chasing a competitive 301, India appeared firmly in control before a late collapse injected tension into the contest. The hosts eventually crossed the line at 306 for six in 49 overs, with KL Rahul and Harshit Rana guiding them home after a dramatic final phase.
Kohli’s 91-ball knock, studded with authoritative strokeplay, laid the foundation for the chase. However, his dismissal in the 40th over, caught at mid-on off Kyle Jamieson, triggered a sudden wobble, with India losing three wickets in quick succession. Kohli fell just seven runs short of what would have been his 54th ODI century, departing when India needed 67 from 66 balls with seven wickets in hand.
Shreyas Iyer (49) and Ravindra Jadeja (4) soon followed, allowing New Zealand to claw their way back into the contest. Jamieson finished with impressive figures of 4 for 41, exploiting late movement and variations to unsettle India’s middle order.
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Rahul (29 not out) then showed composure under pressure, adding a crucial 37-run stand with Rana (29). The winning runs came with Washington Sundar (7 not out), who batted despite an injury, as New Zealand’s fielding faltered with a few uncharacteristic dropped chances.
Earlier, Kohli reached another milestone, becoming the fastest batter to 28,000 international runs, and only the second player after Sachin Tendulkar to achieve the feat, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara in the process.
Kohli had earlier added 118 runs for the second wicket with skipper Shubman Gill, who made a measured 56 off 71 balls. Gill, returning after missing most of the home series against South Africa, showed glimpses of his best before cramps appeared to slow him down. He eventually fell to leg-spinner Adithya Ashok.
Rohit Sharma provided early momentum with a brisk 26 but was undone by Jamieson in the ninth over.
New Zealand earlier posted a competitive 300 for eight, built around Daryl Mitchell’s commanding 84 off 71 balls. Mitchell steadied the innings after a middle-order slump, following a strong opening stand of 117 between Devon Conway (56) and Henry Nicholls (62). Harshit Rana’s second spell turned the tide as New Zealand slipped from 117 without loss to 198 for five.
Debutant Kristian Clarke added late impetus with an unbeaten 24, but the total proved just short against Kohli-led India.
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