Punching above its weight has lengthy been New Zealand’s calling card in worldwide cricket. The Black Caps have repeatedly risen to the event, however the injury inflicted up entrance by Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill proved an excessive amount of to get well from for the guests on Sunday.
Chasing 301 on a cold, dew-laden night on the Baroda Cricket Affiliation Stadium, India ultimately crossed the road — albeit after various stutters — to take a 1–0 lead within the three-match ODI collection.
Even after Rohit Sharma departed following a brisk cameo and Gill gifted leg-spinner Adithya Ashok a wicket after a composed half-century, India remained firmly in management. Kohli slipped seamlessly into chase-master mode, whereas Shreyas Iyer launched an assault on spin after taking strike.
Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer added 77 runs for the third wicket and ensured India would attain the goal regardless of the late stutters.
| Photograph Credit score:
Vijay Soneji
Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer added 77 runs for the third wicket and ensured India would attain the goal regardless of the late stutters.
| Photograph Credit score:
Vijay Soneji
Kohli, in the meantime, was the star attraction having began with six fours in his first 20 balls earlier than settling into rotating-the-strike mode. Gill went after leggie Adithya quickly after he was launched into the assault after the Powerplay, thus paving manner for captain Bracewell to convey himself on.
With 67 required from 11 overs and Kohli within the 90s, the group braced itself for a Kohli hundred and a cushty end. However Kyle Jamieson dramatically swung the momentum by claiming three wickets in seven balls. Kohli fell trying to go over mid-off, Ravindra Jadeja was caught at mid-on off a cross-seam supply, and Shreyas was bowled by one other cutter, leaving India immediately rattled.
With Washington Sundar injured within the first innings, Harshit Rana joined KL Rahul on the crease. Harshit first saved the hat-trick after which swung freely earlier than falling. Washington overcame ache and joined a composed Rahul on the crease. With run-rate right down to run-a-ball, it was Rahul’s back-to-back boundaries, adopted by a decisive heave over cow nook for a six off debutant Kristian Clarke within the penultimate over that sealed the chase.
Daryl Mitchell’s late assault helped the Black Caps accumulate 88 runs within the last 10 overs.
| Photograph Credit score:
Vijay Soneji
Daryl Mitchell’s late assault helped the Black Caps accumulate 88 runs within the last 10 overs.
| Photograph Credit score:
Vijay Soneji
Earlier, a reprieve for Henry Nicholls by Kuldeep Yadav within the deep within the sixth over allowed New Zealand’s left-handed opening pair so as to add 117 in 21 overs. Rana broke the stand on his return, dismissing Nicholls and Devon Conway in successive overs. Other than Daryl Mitchell, who as soon as once more troubled India, the center order did not capitalise.
Mitchell’s late assault, particularly off Prasidh Krishna earlier than being overwhelmed for tempo by him, helped New Zealand add 88 within the last 10 overs to achieve the magic mark of 300. In the long run, it wasn’t sufficient for the Black Caps.
Over to Rajkot!
Printed on Jan 11, 2026