In a nail-biting encounter at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on January 11, 2026, India starts the three-match ODI series against New Zealand with a hard-fought 4-wicket victory, chasing down a competitive target of 301 with 6 balls to spare. The win gives the hosts India a 1-0 lead in the series.
New Zealand, after being put in to bat by Indian captain Shubman Gill, posted a solid 300/8 in their 50 overs. Daryl Mitchell starred with a fiery 84 off 71 balls, providing the backbone to the innings with aggressive strokeplay in the middle and late overs. Openers Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls laid a strong foundation with a century stand, while fifties from key contributors helped the Black Caps recover from a mid-innings wobble. India’s bowlers, led by Harshit Rana’s impressive all-round show and tight spells from Prasidh Krishna, restricted the visitors in the death overs.
Chasing 301, India’s reply got off to a steady start with Rohit Sharma and Gill providing a solid platform. However, the chase truly came alive through Virat Kohli’s masterful knock of 93 (off 91 balls, featuring eight boundaries and a six). Kohli anchored the innings and looked set for yet another ODI century before falling agonisingly short, caught brilliantly by Michael Bracewell off Kyle Jamieson’s bowling.
A mid-innings stutter followed as Kyle Jamieson struck back with quick wickets, including Shreyas Iyer (49) and Ravindra Jadeja, reducing India to a precarious position. The lower order then stepped up in style. Harshit Rana played a valuable cameo with the bat, adding crucial runs in a tense phase, while KL Rahul remained composed under pressure.
In the final overs, Rahul steadied the ship and sealed the win with cool-headed finishing, guiding India home in 49 overs for 306/6. His unbeaten contribution proved decisive in a chase.
The match was a perfect start to India’s 2026 ODI campaign in front of an electric Vadodara crowd.
