India defeated New Zealand by five wickets in the rain-affected first ODI at Eden Park, Auckland, on November 4, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Virat Kohli played a brilliant innings of 74 runs off just 51 balls, while captain Shubman Gill contributed 37 runs. The duo shared a crucial 114-run partnership for the second wicket after Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a duck.
Earlier, New Zealand were bowled out for 185 runs in 40.2 overs. India’s bowling attack delivered an impressive performance, with Arshdeep Singh taking four wickets, Gurnoor Brar claiming three and Anshul Kamboj picking up two. Kohli also impressed with a spectacular catch in the field. Due to rain interruptions, India’s target was revised to 143 runs in 32 overs under the DLS method. India successfully chased the target in 22.4 overs, finishing at 143/5.
Anshul Kamboj was named Player of the Match for his economical bowling performance of 2/22. The second ODI will be played in Wellington on November 7, where India will look to extend their lead in the series.
