India vs New Zealand — First ODI 2026: A Nail-Biting Start
Cricket fans were treated to an enthralling encounter on January 11, 2026, when India faced New Zealand in the opening One Day International of their 3-match series at the Kotambi (BCA) Stadium in Vadodara. The stakes were high and the performances unforgettable as both teams showcased their firepower in a game that swung back and forth before India emerged victorious by 4 wickets.
New Zealand: Setting a Competitive Target
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a respectable total of 300/8 in their 50 overs. Key contributions included:
Daryl Mitchell (84 off 71 balls) — anchoring the innings with powerful strikes.
Henry Nicholls (62) and Devon Conway (56) — solid half-centuries that gave momentum to the Kiwi innings.
Other batters chipped in to help the visitors reach a challenging 300+ score.
With disciplined bowling from India — Harshit Rana and Mohammed Siraj among the wicket-takers — the hosts still trailed after the first innings, setting up for an exciting chase.
India’s Chase: Composure Under Pressure
Chasing 301 wasn’t straightforward, but India showed grit and depth in their batting lineup:
Virat Kohli’s Masterclass
Kohli scored 93 runs off 91 balls, anchoring the innings with class and timing.
Although he fell just short of a century, his knock was crucial in keeping India in the hunt and eventually earning him Player of the Match honours.
Along the way, he also became the fastest batter to reach 28,000 international runs, surpassing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara in the process — a testament to his enduring greatness.
Support from the Middle Order
Shubman Gill (56) played an impactful half-century to build a strong platform.
Shreyas Iyer (49) provided momentum in the middle overs.
KL Rahul’s late cameo (29 off 21)* steered India home with a confident finish, hitting the winning runs with six balls to spare.
At 306/6 in 49 overs, India clinched the game in a thrilling finish — capitalising on strong partnerships and maintaining composure under pressure.
What Made This Match Special
Historic Chase — This victory marked a significant milestone: India became the first team in ODI history to successfully chase 300+ targets 20 times — a testament to their dominating run-chase pedigree.
Star Performances — Kohli’s near-century and Gill’s half-century underlined India’s batting depth. Meanwhile, Mitchell’s resilient innings for New Zealand kept the match competitive throughout.
Team Resilience — With a varied bowling attack and experienced batsmen handling pressure situations, India set the tone for the series with a confident opening win.
Final Thoughts
The first ODI between India and New Zealand in 2026 was more than just a match — it was a statement of intent from both sides. New Zealand’s competitive total challenged India, but the hosts’ chase showcased experience, flair, and tactical nous.
With India taking a 1-0 lead in the series, excitement now builds for the next ODI on January 14, 2026. Will New Zealand bounce back? Or will India continue their dominance? Stay tuned!
