Kohli’s Masterclass Seals Thriller: India Edge Black Caps in 1st ODI Battle
By Lions Roar News Sports Desk
VADODARA, INDIA (January 12, 2026) — Virat Kohli proved once again why he is the master of the chase, steering India to a hard-fought four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the series opener on Sunday. In a high-scoring encounter that went down to the penultimate over, Kohli’s composed 93 paved the way for India to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Despite a spirited fightback from the Black Caps’ bowling attack, India’s lower order held their nerve to overhaul the 301-run target with six balls to spare.
🏏 The Chase: Kohli Commands, Rahul Finishes
India’s pursuit of 301 began with a flurry of boundaries from Rohit Sharma (26), but it was the 118-run partnership between Shubman Gill (50) and Virat Kohli that set the foundation.
- King Kohli: Kohli was in sublime touch, reaching his half-century in just 44 balls. He eventually fell for 93 off 91 balls (8 fours, 1 six), caught at mid-off just seven runs short of a century.
- The Jamieson Threat: Tall pacer Kyle Jamieson sparked a late collapse, taking 4-41. He removed Kohli, Jadeja, and Shreyas Iyer (49) in a blistering spell that left India wobbling at 242-5.
- Cool Heads: Lokesh Rahul (29*) and youngster Harshit Rana (29) absorbed the pressure. Rahul remained unbeaten, sealing the game with a six in the 49th over to spark celebrations in Vadodara.
🇳🇿 The First Innings: Black Caps’ Bright Start Fades
Earlier, New Zealand posted a competitive 300-8, thanks to a century-stand from their openers and a late-innings rescue act.
- Conway & Nicholls: Devon Conway (56) and Henry Nicholls (62) put on a commanding 117-run opening stand. However, India’s Harshit Rana broke the deadlock, removing both in quick succession.
- Mitchell the Anchor: After a middle-order slump saw the visitors lose 5 wickets for just 81 runs, Daryl Mitchell stood tall. His aggressive 84 off 71 balls (5 fours, 3 sixes) pushed the score past the 300-mark.
- Late Cameo: Debutant Kristian Clarke added a valuable 24 off 17 balls to give the bowlers a total to defend.
📊 Match Summary
| Team | Score | Top Performers |
| New Zealand | 300-8 (50 ov) | Daryl Mitchell (84), Henry Nicholls (62) |
| India | 306-6 (49 ov) | Virat Kohli (93), Shubman Gill (50), Kyle Jamieson (4/41) |
Result: India won by 4 wickets.
Series Status: India leads 1-0.
