India began their ODI series against New Zealand on a winning note, clinching a four-wicket victory in the opening match at the Kotambi International Stadium (BCA). Half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill laid the foundation before KL Rahul’s unbeaten 29 ensured India crossed the line with an over to spare.
Rohit Sharma and captain Gill set the tone early, with Sharma striking a six in the very first over to signal intent. During his stay, Rohit etched his name into the record books by becoming the first player in international cricket to hit 650 sixes. His innings, however, ended at 26 off 29 balls when Kyle Jamieson struck soon after the milestone.
Kohli achieved the landmark, 28,000 international runs, with a boundary in the 13th over, becoming the fastest to do so in 624 innings—20 fewer than Sachin Tendulkar. In the process, he also went past Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket history.
Kohli brought up his fifty in just 44 balls, while Gill, returning from injury and making his first international appearance since missing out on the T20 World Cup squad, notched up his 16th ODI half-century off 66 deliveries.
Shreyas Iyer injected momentum with attacking strokes against Adithya Ashok, smashing two fours and a six as he joined Kohli in a 77-run stand for the third wicket. The partnership was broken at a crucial juncture when Jamieson triggered a brief collapse.
The New Zealand pacer dismissed Kohli for 93 on the first ball of the 40th over and removed Ravindra Jadeja on the final delivery. Jamieson struck again in his next over, sending Iyer back for 49. The two teams will now head to Rajkot for the second ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium on Wednesday.
Brief Scores:
New Zealand 300/8 in 50 overs (Daryl Mitchell 84, Henry Nicholls 62; Mohammed Siraj 2-40, Harshit Rana 2-65)
India beat New Zealand by four wickets (Virat Kohli 93, Shubman Gill 56; Kyle Jamieson 4-41, Kristian Clarke 1-73)
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