# IND vs NZ 1st ODI Result: Virat Kohli’s Masterclass Seals India’s Commanding 4-Wicket Win

URL: https://technosports.co.in/ind-vs-nz-1st-odi-virat-kohli-india-win/  
Published: 2026-01-12  
Updated: 2026-01-12  
Author: Rahul Roy

IND vs NZ 1st ODI Result: **India 1-0 New Zealand in the ODI series!** In a thrilling encounter at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, India chased down New Zealand’s 301 with 6 balls remaining, cementing their dominance over the Kiwis at home. While Virat Kohli fell 7 runs short of his 54th ODI century, his 93-run innings proved decisive, setting the tone for a controlled chase that showcased India’s batting depth and composure.

**Watch the IND vs NZ 1st ODI [highlight here](https://www.hotstar.com/in/sports/cricket/ind-vs-nz-1st-odi-highlights/1540059582/video/highlights/watch).**

## IND vs NZ 1st ODI Match Summary: Kohli’s Magic, Gill’s Resilience, Iyer’s Return

**New Zealand scored 300/8** in their 50 overs, with **Henry Nicholls (62) and Daryl Mitchell (84) anchoring the innings**. After an impressive 117-run opening stand between Conway and Nicholls, the Kiwis lost momentum but recovered through Mitchell’s aggressive batting. For India, **Harshit Rana bagged 2 wickets**, while **Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav** each grabbed one.

**India’s chase was textbook perfection.** Opening pair Rohit Sharma (26) and Shubman Gill (56) provided a solid foundation. When Kohli walked in at number 3, he took charge with authority—carving boundaries at will and rotating strike intelligently. His 93 off 118 deliveries was a masterclass in ODI batting, combining aggression with responsibility.

| Key Performances | Stats |
| --- | --- |
| **Virat Kohli** | 93 (118) – Almost 54th century |
| **Shubman Gill** | 56 (66) – First ODI fifty in 10 months |
| **Shreyas Iyer** | 49 (45) – Comeback ODI |
| **KL Rahul** | 29* (21) – Finishing touch |
| **Harshit Rana** | 2 wickets (NZ) |
| **Daryl Mitchell** | 84 (NZ) – Best NZ score |

## The Turning Points

Kyle Jamieson’s delivery that castled Kohli was sensational, but by then the game was virtually sealed. **Shreyas Iyer’s return after injury** (49 runs) and **KL Rahul’s composed finishing** (29* off 21) ensured there were no dramatic twists. Harshit Rana’s aggressive 23-ball 29 in the lower order proved crucial when wickets fell in succession around Kohli’s dismissal.

**A brief scare came at 6/279**, but Washington Sundar’s presence and Rahul’s calm determination saw India through with 6 balls to spare—a comfortable margin in ODI terms.

## What This Victory Means

This commanding performance sends a powerful message heading into the **2026 T20 World Cup**:

- **India’s batting lineup is balanced**, with contributions from top to bottom
- **Home advantage matters:** New Zealand has not won an ODI in India since 2017—that streak continues
- **Shubman Gill’s captaincy** (despite tough toss luck in 2025) seems off to a winning start
- **Kohli’s form is red-hot:** His aggressive yet calculated approach is back and dangerous

## Looking Ahead

The **2nd ODI moves to Rajkot on January 14**, where India will look to extend their 1-0 lead. New Zealand must regroup after a loss that, despite Mitchell’s heroics, exposed bowling weaknesses in the death overs.

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