Heart-pounding drama unfolded in the series opener as India edged out New Zealand by four wickets, courtesy of Virat Kohli’s breathtaking 95. The victory hands India the upper hand in the ODI series.
Putting runs on the board first, New Zealand rode on contributions from Conway (45) and Mitchell (66) to reach 272/8. But India’s spinners, led by the wily Washington Sundar, turned the screws in the middle phase, preventing any big totals.
India’s chase was far from smooth sailing. Quick dismissals of the top order put pressure on Kohli, who responded with a captain’s knock. Mixing finesse with power, he raced towards his century before perishing five runs short. Shreyas Iyer’s 77-run stay proved decisive, steering the team to victory amid roaring cheers.
Looking ahead, this win boosts India’s confidence while serving as a wake-up call for the visitors. The battle for series supremacy intensifies.