India produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat New Zealand by five wickets via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in the opening ODI at Eden Park in New Zealand’s Auckland, ending a 23-year wait for a one-day international victory at the venue and taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
The win was built on a clinical bowling display and a vintage chase led by Virat Kohli, who once again proved why he remains one of cricket’s greatest run-chasers. The former captain smashed a fluent 74 off 51 balls, packed with 13 fours and a six, to guide India home in a rain-affected contest.
After winning the toss, India elected to field and quickly seized control. Arshdeep Singh led the charge with four wickets, while Gurnoor Brar claimed three and Anshul Kamboj delivered an economical spell of 2/22 in 10 overs as New Zealand were bundled out for 185 in 40.2 overs.
India’s chase began badly when Rohit Sharma fell for a six-ball duck in the opening over to Kyle Jamieson. However, Kohli and skipper Shubman Gill, who scored a brisk 37, steadied the innings with a match-defining partnership. Rain interruptions later revised the target to 143 in 32 overs, but India made light work of the chase, reaching 143/5 in just 22.4 overs.
The match also marked a personal milestone for Kohli, who surpassed Sachin Tendulkar to become the highest run-scorer in ODI chases. For India, it was a victory rich in significance, ending two decades of frustration at Eden Park and providing the perfect start to the New Zealand tour ahead of the second ODI in Wellington.