Virat Kohli’s 93 Holds Firm as India Survive Late Scare to Beat New Zealand in Baroda ODI

India were forced to hold their nerve after a dramatic late twist, but Virat Kohli’s composed 93 ultimately proved decisive as the hosts defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the opening ODI at Baroda to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

What looked like a routine chase turned into a tense finish after a middle-order wobble, yet Harshit Rana’s fearless contribution with the bat and KL Rahul’s calm presence ensured India crossed the line despite Kyle Jamieson’s four-wicket burst briefly swinging momentum New Zealand’s way.

Kohli’s rare inability to finish a chase did not cost India as they began 2026 with a hard-fought win on Sunday, January 11. The former captain anchored the pursuit superbly before his dismissal opened the door for a spirited Black Caps comeback that tested India’s depth and composure.

Top Order Sets the Tone

Chasing 301 on a batting-friendly surface at Kotambi Stadium, attention was firmly on India’s top three. Rohit Sharma and Kohli came in with strong recent form, while Shubman Gill returned to ODI action following injury and a T20 World Cup omission.

Rohit, as usual, took the aggressive route early, attacking a New Zealand bowling attack missing the experience of Matt Henry and the pace of Lockie Ferguson. Gill played the supporting role initially as Rohit maximised the powerplay.

The opener scored 26 off 29 balls, striking three fours and two sixes, before throwing his wicket away attempting another big shot. Kohli’s arrival instantly lifted the atmosphere in the stadium.

Contrary to his traditional cautious starts, Kohli attacked from the outset, taking on debutant Kristian Clark and leg-spinner Aditya Ashok. Gill fed off that intent, and the pair not only stabilised the innings but pushed India firmly ahead.

Kohli brought up his fifty off just 44 balls and looked set to guide India home. Gill settled in and reached his half-century off 66 deliveries, though he appeared uncomfortable with a back issue. A short break in play disrupted his rhythm, and he was dismissed soon after for 56 following a lapse in concentration.

Middle-Order Jolt and Kohli’s Exit

Shreyas Iyer walked in next and began nervously before breaking free in the 31st over, smashing Aditya Ashok for a six and two boundaries to swing momentum back India’s way.

Kohli moved into the 90s with a boundary and a six as the Baroda crowd sensed a century. However, in a sudden twist, he fell for 93, brilliantly caught by Michael Bracewell.

With Washington Sundar struggling with a side strain, Ravindra Jadeja was promoted up the order, but the move backfired as he departed for four in the same over. Jamieson then struck again, dismissing Shreyas as India were left needing 59 from 53 balls.

Harshit Rana and Rahul Hold Nerve

Unable to bat freely, Sundar stayed off the field, forcing Harshit Rana to step in. The young pacer showcased his all-round ability with a bold knock despite several nervy moments. Daryl Mitchell dropped him in the 44th over, a miss that proved costly.

KL Rahul remained composed at the other end, allowing Harshit to take calculated risks. A crucial six kept the chase on track, and another boundary reduced the requirement to 22 off 23 balls before Harshit fell for a vital 29 off 23 deliveries.

Sundar returned but was clearly hampered while running, adding to the tension. Aditya Ashok dropped him at a key moment with 12 needed off the final over. Rahul eased the pressure with consecutive boundaries before finishing the game with a six, sealing a dramatic win for India.

New Zealand’s Competitive 300

Earlier, India won the toss and opted to bowl. Despite fielding an inexperienced side, stand-in captain Michael Bracewell backed his batters to deliver, and the visitors responded strongly.

Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls attacked from the start, capitalising on a wayward opening spell from India’s seamers. Both openers brought up half-centuries as New Zealand raced to 117 without loss.

Harshit Rana turned the game with a decisive spell, removing Nicholls to break the opening stand and dismissing Conway soon after. New Zealand slipped from 117/0 to 198/5 as India clawed back control.

Daryl Mitchell once again looked at ease in Indian conditions, anchoring the innings with a fluent 84 off 71 balls. A late cameo of 24 off 17 from Kristian Clark ensured New Zealand reached a competitive 300.

Questions Remain Despite the Win

While India celebrated the victory, Kohli’s dismissal reopened discussion around the middle-order structure. Shreyas showed promise before a soft dismissal, and Rahul’s continued role at No.6 remains under scrutiny.

With Sundar nursing an injury that could rule him out of the rest of the series, India may be forced into selection decisions ahead of the second ODI — despite starting the series on a winning note.