Virat Kohli's 74 secures India's 1-0 ODI lead over New Zealand in Auckland
India defeated New Zealand by five wickets using the DLS method, with Virat Kohli scoring 74 runs to give the visitors a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
India clinched a five-wicket victory over New Zealand in the opening ODI of a five-match series at Auckland's Eden Park, taking a 1-0 lead. After rain-affected interruptions, the target was revised to 143 runs in 32 overs, which India reached in 22.4 overs.
Virat Kohli anchored the chase, scoring 74 runs from 51 balls, including a rapid 43 off 25 against short deliveries. His partnership of 113 runs with Shubman Gill for the second wicket helped India stay well ahead of the DLS par score throughout the innings.
New Zealand were bowled out for 185 in 40.2 overs, with India's seam attack exploiting the pitch's extra bounce and pace. Arshdeep Singh took 4 for 70, Gurnoor Brar claimed 3 for 44, and debutant Anshul Kamboj, named Player of the Match, recorded figures of 2 for 22 in his ten overs.
A brief rain delay reduced the overs and target, but India maintained momentum. Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a duck early, yet the middle order, led by Kohli and Gill, steadied the innings. New Zealand’s late surge fell short, and India secured the win with a comfortable margin over the DLS requirement.