Virat Kohli’s 74, Arshdeep Singh’s Four-Wicket Haul Power India Past New Zealand

Virat Kohli took charge of a rain-disrupted chase after Arshdeep Singh’s four-wicket haul laid the foundation for India’s five-wicket win over New Zealand in the first ODI at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday.

Kohli struck 74 off 51 balls as India negotiated two rain interruptions and a late cluster of wickets to reach a revised target of 143 in 32 overs. The victory gave the visitors a 1–0 lead in the five-match series.

Earlier, Arshdeep returned figures of 4/70, supported by Gurnoor Brar’s 3/44 and Anshul Kamboj’s economical 2/22, as New Zealand were bowled out for 185.

Kohli takes control after Rohit’s duck

India’s chase began with an early setback when Kyle Jamieson dismissed Rohit Sharma for a six-ball duck, with Mitchell Santner taking the catch.

Kohli quickly settled in alongside captain Shubman Gill, finding boundaries through flicks, pulls and cover drives. India were 54/1 when rain first stopped play, with Kohli unbeaten on 29 and Gill providing support.

The target was initially reduced to 167 in 40 overs before another interruption brought it down to 143 in 32.

Kohli maintained his attacking approach after the restart, reaching his half-century in 36 balls and repeatedly punishing New Zealand’s seamers when they offered width or dropped short. His partnership with Gill carried India beyond 100 and put the chase firmly within reach.

Duffy strikes, India finish the job

Nathan Smith broke the partnership by dismissing Gill with India on 114/2. Jacob Duffy then removed Kohli and Axar Patel in the same over to give New Zealand a late opening.

Duffy also accounted for Shreyas Iyer, who made 15, but KL Rahul and Naman Dhir completed the chase. Rahul finished unbeaten on three and Dhir on five.

Arshdeep leads the pace assault

After Gill won the toss and chose to field, Arshdeep removed Will Young and Henry Nicholls early to put New Zealand under pressure.

Tim Seifert offered resistance with 38 off 43 balls before Brar dismissed him. Brar followed that breakthrough with a return catch to remove Tom Latham, while Rohit’s fielding brought about Daryl Mitchell’s run-out for 28.

Kamboj dismissed Santner and Smith, conceding just 22 runs across his 10 overs. Arshdeep returned to remove Jamieson and Glenn Phillips, who made 30.

Blair Tickner’s late counterattack gave New Zealand some breathing room. He struck four sixes in a 23-ball 34, helping the hosts reach 185, but the total proved insufficient.