In a high-octane encounter at the brand-new Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, India clinched a thrilling 4-wicket victory over New Zealand to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing a formidable target of 301, the Men in Blue relied on a masterclass from Virat Kohli and a fearless all-round cameo from Harshit Rana to cross the line with six balls to spare.
Earlier in the day, the Kiwis posted 300/8 behind Daryl Mitchell’s counter-attacking 84, but India’s resilience ensured a perfect start to their 2026 home season. The match was highlighted by Kohli reaching the monumental milestone of 28,000 international runs on his daughter’s 5th birthday. Despite a late wobble where India slipped to 242/5, the composure of the lower order saw the hosts home in a final-over finish. This victory marks India’s first ODI win at this venue, setting a dominant tone for the rest of the series.
IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Virat Kohli masterclass and the historic 28,000 milestone
After the early departure of Rohit Sharma for 26, Kohli walked out to a deafening roar and immediately took control of the 301-run chase with surgical precision. He anchored the innings with a brilliant 93 off 91 balls, punishing any width from the Kiwi pacers and manipulating the gaps with his trademark wristy flick.
During this innings, Kohli became the fastest player in history to reach 28,000 international runs, achieving the feat in just his 624th innings, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar. His 123-run partnership with Shubman Gill (56) neutralized the New Zealand spin attack and placed India in a position of absolute command by the 30th over. Even as he neared a century, Kohli maintained a high strike rate, ensuring the required run rate never climbed beyond reach despite the mounting pressure of the chase.
However, just as a hundred seemed certain, he was caught brilliantly by Michael Bracewell off Kyle Jamieson, leaving the stadium in stunned silence. Despite missing out on the personal milestone of a century, his innings provided the bedrock upon which India’s victory was built. Kohli’s presence at the crease acted as a stabilizer for Shreyas Iyer, who played a supporting role of 49 to keep the scoreboard ticking. This knock further solidified his status as the premier ;chase master’ of the modern era, especially on such a significant personal date.
Also WATCH: IND vs NZ: Shreyas Iyer sends Michael Bracewell packing with a rocket throw during Vadodara ODI
IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Harshit Rana’s all-round heroics stun the Black Caps
Harshit emerged as the unsung hero of the match, delivering a clutch performance with both ball and bat to tilt the game in India’s favour. In the first innings, it was Rana who provided the critical breakthrough by dismissing both set openers, Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls, in successive overs to break a 117-run opening stand as he finished with figures of 2/65.
When he arrived at the crease with India needing 59 runs from 45 balls and the specialist batters back in the pavilion, Rana showed remarkable temperament for a young all-rounder. He played a fearless cameo of 29 runs off just 23 deliveries, including a massive six over long-on that shifted the momentum back toward the hosts. His ability to find boundaries at the death relieved the pressure on KL Rahul, allowing the senior pro to eventually seal the game in the penultimate over.
Although Rana was dismissed in the 47th over, his contribution had already reduced the equation to a manageable run-a-ball scenario. Combined with his early wickets, this performance has firmly established Rana as a serious contender for the seam-bowling all-rounder spot. His energy in the field and defiance under pressure were the final ingredients India needed to overcome a disciplined New Zealand unit.
Here’s how fans reacted:
It’s difficult to compare era because I didn’t watch Richards and Sachin faced far more difficult conditions, but Kohli’s by far the most dominant ODI batsmen I’ve ever seen.
Fact he’s still doing it is bonkers.
— Neal Gardner (@Nealbackup) January 11, 2026
Virat’s batting right now is a joy to watch. The freedom, the ease, and the happiness he is playing with shows just how much he is enjoying the game.#INDvNZ
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 11, 2026
Rarely will you see Virat Kohli getting out like that in the 90s in an ODI. It was 100
written all over it tonight, the typical ODI template Virat has championed.
Never mind, he will get it any game he wants to the way he’s been batting in ODIs recently.
Just that today also… pic.twitter.com/AyKcWoFWDX— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) January 11, 2026
Harshit Rana has been consistently giving India breakthrough. Dum hai.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 11, 2026
Harshit Rana shows what confidence can do to a pacer. Now he bowls fast, experiments with slower ball, swings the ball and isn’t scared to bowl the bouncer. Heartening sign for Indian cricket.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 11, 2026
The eyes Chico, they never lie.
The glint in his eyes is back, so is the hunger. 5 consecutive 50+ scores. This is the Virat we know. Well played @imVkohli 👏👏😊 #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/vmbvzcTVUQ— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 11, 2026
Still ruling. Still rising. Still HIM. 🐐
Virat Kohli kept the blade sharp and the standards higher than ever. 🔝
A classic chase master’s knock, 9️⃣3️⃣ while hunting it down today. 🎯#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/xHDBHq0B4I
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) January 11, 2026
Made us proud as usual, Harshit! 👏💙 pic.twitter.com/bAg3tYuZ7b
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) January 11, 2026
Well played, Harshit Rana. This is how you turn trolls into appreciation. Respect. pic.twitter.com/ucDp4SzQYV
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) January 11, 2026
45th Player-of-the-Match for Virat Kohli in ODIs 🫡🔥#ViratKohli #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/tENqPX0pih
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 11, 2026
Also WATCH: IND vs NZ: Prasidh Krishna cleans up Mitchell Hay with a jaffa in the first ODI
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