India began their five-match ODI series against New Zealand with a convincing five-wicket victory at Eden Park in Auckland on November 4. After winning the toss, stand-in captain Shubman Gill elected to bowl first, and the Indian pace attack made the most of the conditions to bowl out the hosts for 185 in 40.2 overs.
Arshdeep Singh led the bowling effort with four wickets, while debutant Gurnoor Brar picked up three. In response, India were set a revised target of 143 runs in 32 overs following rain interruptions. Despite losing Rohit Sharma for a duck in the opening over, the visitors recovered through a superb partnership between Virat Kohli and Gill. The former scored 74 off 51 deliveries to put India in a commanding position before the team completed the chase in 22.4 overs.
Virat Kohli leads India’s successful chase with a brilliant half-century
India suffered an early setback when Kyle Jamieson dismissed Rohit for a six-ball duck. However, Kohli and Gill ensured that the wicket did not put the visitors under pressure for long. Kohli took charge of the chase and played an aggressive knock, smashing 13 fours and a six.
He scored 74 off 51 balls, while Gill contributed a steady 37 to build a crucial partnership and bring India closer to the revised target. Jacob Duffy briefly brought New Zealand back into the contest by dismissing Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel in quick succession. However, Naman Dhir struck the winning boundary as India reached 143/5 in 22.4 overs to secure a five-wicket victory.
Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar dismantle New Zealand’s batting lineup
Earlier, India’s decision to bowl first paid off as Arshdeep struck twice in the opening stages to remove Will Young and Henry Nicholls. New Zealand struggled to build partnerships and slipped to 97/5. Tim Seifert top-scored with 38, while Glenn Phillips added 30 runs.
The hosts were eventually reduced to 146/9 before Blair Tickner’s quickfire 34 off 23 balls helped them reach 185. Arshdeep finished with figures of 4/70, while Brar impressed on debut with 3/44. Anshul Kamboj also chipped in with two wickets.
Also WATCH: Gurnoor Brar gets involved in fun banter with Blair Tickner during NZ vs IND 1st ODI
Here’s how fans reacted:
India win by 5 wickets and go 1-0 up in the series 🏏#NZvIND #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/BEjxMgk8yG
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) November 4, 2026
A strong start in Auckland as India go 1-0 up in the ODI series 👏
📝: https://t.co/jdZ9ThMt2k pic.twitter.com/qXM7783FZH
— ICC (@ICC) November 4, 2026
One more half century for Virat Kohli.
Just arrived in New Zealand and stamped his authority straightaway.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 4, 2026
India beat New Zealand after 17 years at Eden Park, Auckland in ODI cricket. 🇮🇳
– Last win came in 2009. pic.twitter.com/u2kmFJmwJB
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 4, 2026
INDIA WON THE FIRST ODI AGAINST NEW ZEALAND 🇮🇳
– A great start for Gill & Team India. pic.twitter.com/j27G5slpgI
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 4, 2026
Virat Kohli enters the 13,000 ODI runs club at the No. 3 spot, becoming the first-ever batter in history to achieve this incredible feat!
*India beat New Zealand after 17 years at Eden Park, Auckland in ODI cricket. 🇮🇳*
Last win came in 2009*
>@imVkohli 🐐🐐 pic.twitter.com/uIiWtBNJnK
— 𝙆𝙀𝙏𝘼𝙉ִ𖤐 (@ketanwasgod) November 4, 2026
A day before his birthday, Virat Kohli gives fans something to celebrate
74 off 51 balls, a fifty in just 35 deliveries and India’s first ODI win at Eden Park since 2009
Not a bad way to start the birthday celebrations 😄 pic.twitter.com/9EuQztrz2H
— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) November 4, 2026
Don’t go into the World Cup relying on players like Shreyas. There’s still time to find a better alternative.
And Virat Kohli, what a player! ❤️🔥
There has never been a greater white ball cricketer than this man.
— DigitalSanghi🚩 (@digitalsangghi) November 4, 2026
Well played King Virat Kohli 👑🇮🇳❤️
Kya toda New Zealand ko 🔥— Vivek Das (@TheVivekDas) November 4, 2026
He has been always consistent with the bat and these type of small gestures or actions throughout the journey that keeps the game alive and entertaining thats Virat Kohli for you guys🔥🔥😂💯#INDvsNZ #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/qCdOreKNvp
— Yash (@335Yash) November 4, 2026
Also READ: How many ducks does Rohit Sharma have in ODIs? Check Hitman’s unwanted record
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