Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.
Already a member?
Log in
India secured a comfortable five-wicket victory over New Zealand in Wednesday’s rain-affected series opener in Auckland, led by Virat Kohli’s 80th one-day international half-century and a brilliant catch.
The day before his 38th birthday, Kohli demonstrated his enduring class at Eden Park, scoring 74 off 51 balls as India chased down a revised Duckworth-Lewis-Stern target of 143 following repeated rain delays.
The star batter eventually holed out to deep square leg off Jacob Duffy, waving his bat to a predominantly Indian crowd as he departed. His innings had put India firmly in control of the chase, with the experienced right-hander once again demonstrating his importance to the side in the 50-over format.
India had made a steady start to their pursuit before Kohli accelerated the scoring, finding the boundary regularly and putting pressure on New Zealand’s bowling attack. His dismissal briefly offered the hosts an opportunity to fight back, but India had built a sufficient advantage to see out the contest without major difficulty.
Just five days after scoring 259 for seven in the fourth T20, New Zealand were bowled out for 185 in 40.2 overs after losing the toss to India captain Shubman Gill.
“I think we were very good with the bowling,” said Gill. “Overall a very good team performance.”
Pace duo Arshdeep Singh (4-70) and Gurnoor Brar (3-44) took seven wickets between them, rattling New Zealand’s top order with short-pitched bowling.
The hosts struggled to establish a substantial partnership as India’s bowlers made regular inroads, preventing them from building on their recent success with the bat. The visitors maintained pressure throughout the innings, with New Zealand unable to find the momentum required to post a more competitive total.
All-rounder Anshul Kamboj was named man of the match in his second ODI, taking two wickets while giving away just 22 runs from his 10 overs.
“The way both of them bowled tonight was really magnificent to watch,” Gill said of Kamboj and Brar.
Kohli also made an impact in the field, setting up Kamboj’s opening wicket with a diving slip catch, plucking the ball one-handed above the turf to dismiss Nathan Smith for one.
Tim Seifert, replacing the concussed Devon Conway, top-scored for New Zealand with 38 in his first ODI in over 18 months.
India’s victory gives them an early advantage in the five-match series, with Gill’s side able to take confidence from a strong all-round display in challenging weather conditions.
The five-match series continues in Wellington on Saturday, with New Zealand looking to respond after a disappointing opening performance.
