Kohli's brilliant form help India beat New Zealand by four wickets

VADODARA: India survived a late scare to register a win in the first ODI against New Zealand. Surpassing the target of 301 runs set by the Kiwis in just 49 overs for the loss of 6 wickets, India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with the win. The performances of former captain Virat Kohli, who continues his brilliant batting form, captain Shubman Gill, who scored a half-century, and Shreyas Iyer, who scored 49 runs, contributed to India’s win.

Chasing a huge target, India got off to a good start with openers Rohit Sharma (26) and Shubman Gill (56). Rohit was the first to be dismissed when the team's score was at 39. Virat Kohli, who came in to join the captain, was dismissed just seven runs short of a century at 93. Virat and Gill put on a 118-run partnership for the second wicket. Kohli also shared a 49(47) and 77-run partnership for the third wicket with Shreyas Iyer.

India was at 239 when Kohli and Iyer departed. Ravindra Jadeja, who came next, was dismissed at just four runs, adding to the pressure. India surpassed the scare when Harshit Rana, who came in at number seven, put in a fine performance of 29 (23). KL Rahul 29* (21) and Washington Sundar 7* (7) remained unbeaten. Kyle Jamieson took four wickets for New Zealand.