IND vs NZ 1st ODI: Virat Kohli's 74 Powers India's 5-Wicket Win

Image Source: X

India began their ODI series against New Zealand with a convincing five-wicket victory in the first match at Eden Park, Auckland, on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Virat Kohli was the star performer with the bat, scoring an impressive 74 runs off just 51 balls to guide India to victory under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.

Rain interrupted the match several times, forcing a revision of India's target. The visitors were eventually given a target of 143 runs in 32 overs, which they successfully chased in just 22.5 overs. With this win, India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.

IND vs NZ 1st ODI: New Zealand All Out for 185 Runs

After winning the toss, India elected to bowl first at Eden Park. The Indian bowling attack delivered an impressive performance, restricting New Zealand to 185 runs in 40.2 overs.

New Zealand's batting lineup struggled to build partnerships against the Indian bowlers. Opener Tim Seifert was the highest scorer for the hosts, making 38 runs with three fours and two sixes.

Blair Tickner also contributed with an important innings of 34 runs towards the end of the innings. His contribution helped New Zealand cross the 150-run mark.

For India, Arshdeep Singh was the standout bowler, picking up four wickets and putting the hosts under pressure. The Indian bowling attack restricted New Zealand to a modest total.

Virat Kohli's 74-Run Knock Puts India in Control of the Chase

India did not get off to a good start in the run chase, as Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a duck in the very first over.

However, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill quickly recovered the innings by building a crucial partnership. The duo added 113 runs off 104 balls for the second wicket, putting India in a strong position.

Shubman Gill scored 37 runs off 56 deliveries, including five boundaries, before getting dismissed at the team score of 114.

Kohli continued his attacking approach and dominated the New Zealand bowling attack. He scored 74 runs off just 51 balls, including 13 fours and one six. His impressive half-century played a major role in bringing India closer to the revised target.

However, Kohli was dismissed after his impressive innings, and Axar Patel also returned to the pavilion without scoring. India lost two quick wickets at 124 runs.

India Lose Quick Wickets but Seal a Comfortable 5-Wicket Victory

New Zealand managed to pick up a few more wickets towards the end of the chase. Shreyas Iyer was dismissed for 15 runs when India's score reached 136, leaving the visitors five wickets down.

Despite the late setbacks, India remained close to the target. KL Rahul and Naman Dhir then took responsibility and added an unbeaten seven-run partnership for the sixth wicket.

The pair guided India across the finish line without losing another wicket. India reached the revised target of 143 runs in 22.5 overs and secured a five-wicket victory under the DLS method.

Arshdeep Singh's 4-Wicket Haul Helps India Dominate New Zealand

Arshdeep Singh was India's leading bowler in the first innings, taking four wickets and playing a crucial role in restricting New Zealand to 185 runs.

With the bat, Virat Kohli delivered a match-winning performance through his 74-run knock. His partnership with Shubman Gill helped India recover from an early wicket and take control of the run chase.

Both performances proved decisive in India's opening-match victory. The visitors have now taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.

IND vs NZ 1st ODI Highlights: Full Match Scorecard and Result

India will look to continue their winning momentum in the upcoming match, while New Zealand will aim to make a strong comeback in the ODI series.

Also Read: Virat Kohli Creates Historic ODI World Record at No. 3