India lead the series 1-0 after defeating New Zealand by five wickets in a rain-hit first ODI at Eden Park on Wednesday . Their young bowlers have shown they can handle New Zealand conditions, and Kohli’s form remains a major plus for the visitors. The victory stemmed from Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method after repeated showers interrupted their chase.
The wicket of Shubman Gill kickstarted a mini collapse of four wickets for 22 runs, but in the end India are comfortable winners by six wickets and a little under 10 overs to spare. The rest of the batters’ struggles against the short ball should tell you what a special knock that was from Virat Kohli.
Bowlers set it up
India’s young pace attack did the early damage. After losing the toss, New Zealand were bowled out for 185 in 40.2 overs. Arshdeep Singh took 4 for 70 and Gurnoor Brar took 3 for 44. Anshul Kamboj, playing only his second ODI, took two wickets and gave away just 22 runs in 10 overs. He was named Man of the Match. Tim Seifert, who replaced the concussed Devon Conway, top-scored for the hosts with 38.
Kohli takes charge
In the chase, Kohli was in complete control. He hit 74 off 51 balls, his 80th ODI half-century. India reached the revised target of 143 in 22.4 overs, and Kohli’s knock included 13 boundaries and a six. He brought up his fifty in just 35 balls, and left the field to a standing ovatiion.
Milestone earlier in the day
The innings came on a day Kohli became the first batter to score 13,000 ODI runs at number three. It added to a day that fans will remember for a long time.