India hold nerve to take opening ODI against New Zealand

For long periods, the contest appeared firmly in India's control, built around another masterful chase from Virat Kohli. The 37-year-old once again underlined his enduring class, scoring 93 in an innings that blended early aggression with measured authority. In the process, he became the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket across all formats, moving past Kumar Sangakkara to sit behind only Sachin Tendulkar.

Yet, as has often been the case, Kohli's personal landmark proved elusive. With a 54th ODI century in sight, he miscued a charge against Kyle Jamieson and was caught at extra cover, leaving the home crowd to applaud both the innings and the milestone that came with it.

India had chosen to field after winning the toss, mindful of the dew expected later, but New Zealand's openers made the most of the early conditions. Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls put together a fluent 117-run stand, punishing loose deliveries and forcing India to reassess their plans. The breakthrough arrived through Harshit Rana, who removed both openers in quick succession and checked New Zealand's momentum.

From there, the visitors struggled to build another defining partnership. Daryl Mitchell held the innings together with a well-paced 84, mixing strike rotation with bursts of power, while a late unbeaten contribution from Kristian Clarke ensured New Zealand reached a competitive 300. Rana, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna shared the bulk of the wickets, keeping the total within reach.

India's reply was initially unsettled by the early loss of Rohit Sharma, but stability followed through a commanding second-wicket partnership between Kohli and captain Shubman Gill. Their stand of 118 laid the platform, with Gill contributing a patient 56 despite discomfort from a back issue. Kohli later added another significant partnership with Shreyas Iyer, who looked assured on his return before falling for 49.

The match swung sharply when Jamieson struck three times in seven balls, dismissing Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja and Iyer to leave India suddenly vulnerable at 242 for five. What had seemed a straightforward chase became a tense finish.

Lower-order contributions proved decisive. Rana counter-attacked for a brisk 29, surviving a dropped chance, while KL Rahul kept his composure amid the rising pressure. With Washington Sundar limited by a side strain, Rahul took responsibility, finishing unbeaten on 29 and sealing the win with an emphatic over that included two fours and a six.

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