Auckland: A memorable batting performance from Virat Kohli helped India begin their ODI series against New Zealand with a five-wicket victory at Eden Park on Wednesday, November 4. The experienced Indian batter not only guided his team through a rain-interrupted run chase but also surpassed Sachin Tendulkar to become the highest run-scorer in ODI chases.
Kohli struck an impressive 74 off just 51 deliveries, including 13 boundaries and a six. His innings took his overall tally in ODI run chases to 8,741 runs, moving past Tendulkar’s previous record of 8,720. Kohli achieved the landmark in 169 innings, further strengthening his reputation as one of cricket’s most dependable batters under pressure.
India’s chase began on a disappointing note when Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a duck. However, Kohli and captain Shubman Gill steadied the innings with a crucial 113-run partnership for the second wicket. Gill contributed 37 runs from 56 balls, providing stability while Kohli maintained an attacking approach against the New Zealand bowling attack.
Former Indian cricketers Ambati Rayudu and Murali Kartik praised the partnership, particularly Gill’s ability to adapt his batting according to the match situation. Rayudu highlighted the young captain’s maturity, while Kartik pointed to the positive understanding between the two players.
Earlier, India’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to dismiss New Zealand for 185 in 40.2 overs. Arshdeep Singh led the attack with four wickets, supported by Gurnoor Brar’s three-wicket haul and Anshul Kamboj’s impressive figures of 2/22. Kamboj was named Player of the Match for his economical bowling.
Rain interruptions subsequently reduced India’s target to 143 runs in 32 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. The visitors completed the chase in 22.4 overs, finishing at 143/5 to secure a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
The victory provided India with a positive start to the ODI leg of their New Zealand tour, while Kohli’s historic achievement became one of the major highlights of the opening encounter. The teams will meet again in Wellington on November 7 for the second ODI.
