India Triumphs Over New Zealand in ODI Series Opener

The Indian cricket team marked a triumphant start to their ODI series against New Zealand with a thrilling victory at the BCA Stadium. Key players like Shreyas Iyer, Virat Kohli, and Harshit Rana made significant contributions, showcasing their skills both with the bat and ball. Iyer expressed his joy at returning from injury, while Rana and Sundar shared insights on their performances. This match sets an exciting tone for the series ahead, leaving fans eager for more action.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 12, 2026, 12:59 IST

India's Strong Start in ODI Series

The Indian cricket team celebrated a successful opening match in their three-match ODI series against New Zealand, held at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, on Sunday. Key contributions came from captain Shubman Gill, who scored 56 runs, and Virat Kohli, who made 93 runs. Shreyas Iyer added 49 runs, while lower-order batsmen KL Rahul and all-rounder Harshit Rana both chipped in with 29 runs each, helping India successfully chase down a target of 301 runs.

Bowling Performance

On the bowling front, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, and Mohammed Siraj each took two wickets, effectively limiting New Zealand to 300 runs for 8 wickets, despite a solid partnership of 117 runs between Henry Nicholls and Devon Conway.

Shreyas Iyer's Reflections

In a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Shreyas Iyer expressed his joy over the victory, calling it a fantastic start to the series. He shared his excitement about returning from injury and rejoining the team, which he had missed during his recovery. Iyer stated, "It feels great to be back in the squad and share the dressing room with everyone after a long time."

Praise for Kohli's Consistency

Iyer also commended Kohli's impressive 93-run innings, marking his fifth consecutive fifty-plus score in ODIs. He remarked, "Kohli's performance speaks for itself. His ability to rotate the strike and challenge bowlers is remarkable, and he consistently delivers for the team."

Harshit Rana's Breakthrough

All-rounder Harshit Rana, who played a crucial role in breaking New Zealand's opening partnership, expressed satisfaction with his performance. He described how he dismissed Nicholls with a well-placed wide yorker and followed it up by taking Conway's wicket in the next over. Rana credited his father for his development as a player and mentioned his goal of contributing runs while batting at No. 8.

Washington Sundar's Strategy

Washington Sundar shared his enjoyment of the match and reflected on his childhood dreams of winning games for his team. He highlighted KL Rahul's batting prowess and explained his strategy of ensuring Rahul faced the final deliveries. With 10 runs needed from the last 10 balls, Sundar smartly rotated the strike to Rahul, who then hit two boundaries followed by a six, sealing the victory for India.