Virat Kohli’s 93 Powers India to Thrilling Four-Wicket Win Over New Zealand in ODI Series Opener
New Zealand Sets a Competitive Total
New Zealand, batting first, posted 300 for 8 in their 50 overs The innings was propelled by Daryl Mitchell’s 84, Henry Nicholls’ 62, and Devon Conway’s 56, ensuring a competitive total that put India on the back foot at times.
Kohli Anchors India’s Chase
India began their innings confidently, but it was Kohli’s calm yet aggressive approach that steadied the innings. A crucial 118-run partnership with Shubman Gill helped India navigate the middle overs and maintain a manageable required run rate. Despite Kohli falling short of a century, his performance set the foundation for India’s late charge.
Late Drama Before the Finish
New Zealand fought back through Kyle Jamieson, who picked up 4 wickets for 41 runs creating a tense finish. However, India’s lower-order batsmen, KL Rahul and Harshit Rana, ensured the chase was completed with six balls remaining, sealing a thrilling win.
Bowling Highlights
India:Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj bowled disciplined spells to restrict New Zealand’s scoring in key phases.
New Zealand: Kyle Jamieson’s 4/41 was the standout bowling performance, keeping India under pressure in the final overs.
Records and Milestones
India became the **first team in ODI history to successfully chase 300+ runs 20 times.
Kohli’s innings further cemented his reputation as one of cricket’s most prolific run-scorers in the modern era.
Match Summary
New Zealand: 300/8 (50 overs)
India: 306/6 (49/50 overs)
Result: India won by 4 wickets
Player of the Match:Virat Kohli (93)
India now leads the three-match series 1-0, with the second ODI scheduled in Indore. Fans will be watching keenly to see if India can maintain momentum and extend their lead against a resilient New Zealand side.
Last Updated on: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:33 pm by Rishidhar Reddy | Published by: Rishidhar Reddy on Monday, January 12, 2026 1:33 pm | News Categories: News
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