Team India moved into a commanding position in the first ODI against New Zealand at Vadodara, thanks to a strong batting display while chasing a challenging target of 301 runs. With confidence and composure, the Indian batters kept the scoreboard ticking and put the visitors under pressure.
At the latest update, India reached 188 for 2 in 31.1 overs. Star batter Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 71, while Shreyas Iyer supported him well with 24 at the crease. With 113 runs still required and eight wickets in hand, India stood firmly on the verge of victory.
Kohli-Gill Partnership Turns the Game
India faced an early setback when opener Rohit Sharma departed for 26. However, captain Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli steadied the innings with a crucial partnership. Both batters rotated the strike effectively and punished loose deliveries, building a vital 118-run stand for the second wicket.
Gill played a responsible knock of 56, leading from the front before returning to the pavilion. Meanwhile, Kohli continued his fluent form and brought up a well-crafted half-century, anchoring the chase with authority.
New Zealand’s Solid Total
Earlier, New Zealand posted 300 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs after winning the toss and opting to bat. Daryl Mitchell emerged as the top scorer with an impressive 84, holding the middle order together. Openers Henry Nicholls (62) and Devon Conway (56) also made strong contributions with half-centuries.
Among the Indian bowlers, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, and Paridhi Krishna impressed by picking up two wickets each, ensuring the target remained within reach.
With momentum clearly on their side and experienced batters at the crease, Team India looks well placed to seal a memorable win in the first ODI against the Kiwis.
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