India began their five-match ODI series against New Zealand on a winning note, securing a five-wicket victory in the opening match at Eden Park, Auckland, on November 4, 2026. Virat Kohli delivered a match-winning performance, scoring an impressive 74 off 51 balls to help India chase down the revised target of 143 runs under the DLS method.
After rain interruptions reduced India’s innings to 32 overs, the visitors successfully reached 143/5 in just 22.4 overs. Shubman Gill also played an important role, scoring 37 runs and building a crucial partnership with Kohli to put India in control of the chase.
Earlier, India’s pace attack produced an impressive performance to bowl New Zealand out for 185 in 40.2 overs. Arshdeep Singh led the bowling attack with four wickets, while Gurnoor Brar claimed three and Anshul Kamboj picked up two wickets.
India vs New Zealand 1st ODI 2026: Match Details
The opening ODI witnessed an impressive bowling performance from India, followed by an aggressive batting display from Virat Kohli. Here are the important match details:
- Match: India vs New Zealand, 1st ODI
- Series: India Tour of New Zealand 2026
- Date: November 4, 2026
- Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
- Toss: India won and elected to bowl
- New Zealand: 185 all out (40.2 overs)
- India: 143/5 (22.4 overs)
- DLS Target: 143 runs in 32 overs
- Result: India won by five wickets (DLS method)
Virat Kohli’s 74 Powers India’s Successful Run Chase
Virat Kohli once again demonstrated his batting class with an outstanding performance against New Zealand. Coming in after Rohit Sharma’s early dismissal, Kohli took responsibility and played an attacking innings to put India in a commanding position.
Kohli scored 74 runs from just 51 deliveries, including 13 boundaries and one six. His aggressive approach helped India maintain a healthy scoring rate despite the revised target and interruptions caused by rain.
The former Indian captain also shared a crucial 113-run partnership with Shubman Gill for the second wicket. Gill contributed 37 runs from 56 balls, providing stability at the other end while Kohli continued to attack the New Zealand bowlers.
Although Kohli eventually departed in the 20th over, his contribution had already put India in a comfortable position. India completed the chase at 143/5 in 22.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
India’s Pace Attack Restricts New Zealand to 185 Runs
After winning the toss, Indian captain Shubman Gill decided to bowl first, making the most of the overcast conditions in Auckland.
The decision worked in India’s favour as the pace attack picked up regular wickets and prevented New Zealand from building substantial partnerships.
Arshdeep Singh provided early breakthroughs, dismissing Will Young and Henry Nicholls. Gurnoor Brar also made an important contribution by removing Tim Seifert, Tom Latham and Blair Tickner.
Anshul Kamboj supported the bowling attack with two important wickets, including New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner.
New Zealand struggled to maintain momentum throughout the innings and were eventually bowled out for 185 in 40.2 overs.
Arshdeep Singh Leads India’s Bowling Attack
Arshdeep Singh delivered an impressive spell, finishing with figures of 4/70 in his 10 overs.
His early breakthroughs put New Zealand under pressure and prevented the home side from establishing a strong foundation. The left-arm pacer continued to trouble the batters and played a key role in restricting New Zealand to a below-par total.
Gurnoor Brar Makes an Impact
Gurnoor Brar was another standout performer for India, picking up three wickets.
He dismissed Tim Seifert, Tom Latham and Blair Tickner, breaking important partnerships and controlling New Zealand’s lower order.
Anshul Kamboj also contributed with two wickets, finishing with figures of 2/22.
New Zealand’s Batting Struggles Against India
New Zealand found it difficult to handle India’s disciplined bowling attack. Tim Seifert was the leading contributor with 38 runs, while Glenn Phillips added 30 and Daryl Mitchell scored 28.
Blair Tickner provided some late resistance with an attacking 34 off 23 balls, helping New Zealand move closer to the 200-run mark.
However, the regular fall of wickets prevented the hosts from building a competitive total. India’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings, eventually dismissing New Zealand for 185.
India vs New Zealand 1st ODI: Playing XI
India Playing XI:
Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh.
New Zealand Playing XI:
Tim Seifert, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy and Blair Tickner.
What to Expect From the Remaining India vs New Zealand ODIs?
With India taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match ODI series, the opening victory provides Shubman Gill’s side with a positive start.
Virat Kohli’s batting performance, combined with the contributions from India’s young pace attack, will give the visitors plenty of confidence heading into the remaining matches.
New Zealand, meanwhile, will look to improve their batting performance and find ways to counter India’s bowling attack. The hosts will also aim to make better use of their home conditions as the series progresses.
The upcoming matches promise another exciting contest between two competitive international cricket teams.
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