In a high-octane encounter at the new Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, India had a thrilling 4-wicket win over New Zealand taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing a formidable target of 301, the Men in Blue put on a masterclass Virat Kohli and a fearless all-round cameo Harshit Rana crossing the line with six balls.
Earlier in the day, the Kiwis were 300/8 behind Daryl Mitchell‘s counter-attack of 84, but India’s resilience ensured a perfect start to the 2026 home season. The match was highlighted by Kohli reaching the milestone of 28,000 international runs on his daughter’s 5th birthday. Despite a late wobble that saw India slip to 242/5, composure in the lower order saw the hosts eventually take home. The win marks India’s first ODI win at this venue and sets a dominant tone for the rest of the series.
IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Virat Kohli masterclass and historic 28,000 run
After an early departure Rohit Sharma For 26, Kohli went on a deafening roar and immediately controlled 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 wrist shot.
During this innings, Kohli became the fastest player to reach 28,000 international runs, achieving the feat in just the 624th innings. Sachin Tendulkar. In which he collaborated with 123 Shubman Gill (56) neutralized New Zealand’s spin attack and put India in a commanding position by 30. Despite approaching a century, Kohli maintained a high strike rate and ensured that the required run rate was never out of reach despite the mounting pressure of the chase.
However, a hundred people caught him brilliantly, as he seemed convinced Michael Bracewell off Kyle Jamiesonleaves the stadium in stunned silence. Despite missing out on a personal milestone of a century, his innings laid the foundation for India’s victory. Kohli’s presence at the crease acted as a stabilizer Shreyas IyerPlaying the role of the 49th assistant, he ensured that the scoreboard remained stable. This beating further cemented his status as the best “forward master” of the modern era, especially in such a remarkable personal history.
Also WATCH: IND vs NZ: Shreyas Iyer sends Michael Bracewell packing during Vadodara ODI
IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Harshit Rana’s all-round heroics leave the Black Caps in awe
Harshit emerged as the unsung hero of the match with a clutch performance with both ball and bat to tilt the game in India’s favour. It was Rana who secured the critical breakthrough by dropping both sets in the first innings. Devon Conway and Henry Nichollsin successive overs to break a 117-run opening stand as he finished with figures of 2/65.
When India reached the crease, needing 59 runs from 45 balls and the specialist returning to the pavilion, Rana showed a young all-rounder. He played a fearless cameo of 29 runs off just 23 deliveries, including a massive six over long-on that swung the momentum in the hosts’ favour. His ability to find a boundary at the death eased the pressure KL Rahulallowing the big specialist to finally seal the game just after the end.
Although Rena was dismissed in the 47th over, his contribution has already reduced the equation to a manageable run scenario. Coupled with his early wickets, this performance cemented Rana as a serious contender for the seam bowling all-rounder spot. His energy in the field and his composure under pressure were the final ingredients India needed to overcome a disciplined New Zealand unit.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
It’s hard to compare the era because I haven’t watched Richards and Sachin face tougher conditions, but Kohli is the most dominant ODI batsmen I’ve ever seen.
The fact is, he still does.
— Neal Gardner (@Nealbackup) January 11, 2026
Virat batting is a pleasure to watch. The freedom, ease and happiness with which he plays shows how much he enjoys the game.#INDvNZ
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 11, 2026
Rarely will you see Virat Kohli get out like this in ODIs in the 90s. It was 100
Virat defended the typical ODI template written all over tonight.
I don’t mind, he will get the game he wants as he has been batting recently in ODIs.
Just today… pic.twitter.com/AyKcWoFWDX— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) January 11, 2026
Harshit Rana is consistently giving India a breakthrough. It’s a tail.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 11, 2026
Harshit Rana shows what confidence can do to a pacer. Now he is swinging the backspin, experimenting with the slower ball, swinging the ball and not afraid to hit the bouncer. An encouraging sign for Indian cricket.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 11, 2026
Chico eyes, they never lie.
The sparkle in his eyes returned, and so did the hunger. 5 consecutive 50+ points. This is the Virat we know. He played well @imVkohli 👏👏😊 #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/vmbvzcTVUQ— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 11, 2026
It still reigns. Still rising. Still O. 🐐
Virat Kohli has kept the knife sharp and the standards higher than ever. 🔝
Classic chase master tattoo, 9️⃣3️⃣ as he hunts it down today. 🎯#PlayBold #OurRCB #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/xHDBHq0B4I
– Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) January 11, 2026
You made us proud as always, Harshit! 👏💙 pic.twitter.com/bAg3tYuZ7b
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) January 11, 2026
Great performance, Harshit Rana. This is how you turn trolls into appreciation. Respect. pic.twitter.com/ucDp4SzQYV
— RATNISH (@LoyalSachinFan) January 11, 2026
Man of the Match 45 for Virat Kohli in ODIs 🫡🔥#ViratKohli #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/tENqPX0pih
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 11, 2026
Also WATCH: IND vs NZ: Prasidh Krishna clears Mitchell Hay with a jaffa in the first ODI
