India vs New Zealand 1st ODI: India Chase 300 in Vadodara Thriller

The first One-Day International (ODI) between India and New Zealand at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on January 11, 2026, delivered pure cricket drama. In front of a packed and passionate Baroda crowd, the visitors set a challenging total of 300/8, but the Indian batting lineup showed grit and experience to chase it down with an over to spare. From a breathtaking partnership to record-breaking batting fireworks, this match had everything a cricket fan could hope for.

India’s successful chase of a 300-plus total reaffirmed their chasing credentials in ODIs and set the tone for what promises to be a gripping series against the Kiwis.

First Innings: New Zealand Post 300 After Strong Batting Effort

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, New Zealand looked determined to put up a competitive score on a batting-friendly track in Vadodara. The pitch, offering true bounce and carry, allowed Strokeplay right from the start.

The Black Caps’ innings was anchored by Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls, who put together a solid opening partnership that frustrated the Indian bowlers early on. Conway’s fluent 56 off 67 balls set a positive tone, while Nicholls’ calm 62 off 69 kept the scoreboard ticking.

However, the standout performance came from Daryl Mitchell, who delivered a brilliant middle-order knock of 84 off 71 balls. Mitchell’s innings was a mix of patience and calculated aggression, helping New Zealand recover after a few middle-overs shocks and propel his team to a strong total.

Other contributions included a composed 24* from Kristian Clarke and useful cameos from the lower order, ensuring New Zealand finished at a formidable 300/8 in their 50 overs.

Best Performances in New Zealand Innings

Daryl Mitchell – 84 (71) – Anchored innings with flair and solidity.
Devon Conway – 56 (67) – Laid the foundation with a classy start.
Henry Nicholls – 62 (69) – Built the platform with his steady approach.

For India, the bowlers fought back well at different stages. Harshit Rana chipped in with two important wickets, while Prasidh Krishna also struck to keep India in the hunt.

Second Innings: India’s Chase Under Lights

Chasing a 300-plus target is never easy, especially in front of home fans who wanted fireworks early. But the Indian batting lineup showed why they’re considered one of the most formidable teams when it comes to run chases.

The chase was ignited by Virat Kohli, who played a brilliant innings, combining experience with intent. Kohli’s 93 was the backbone of India’s pursuit, anchoring the innings and pacing the chase beautifully. His ability to rotate strike and punish loose balls kept India ahead of the required rate for most of the chase.

Opening the innings with Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill played a vital supporting role, contributing a fluent 56. Gill’s innings ensured there was always stability at the other end, preventing any early collapse and allowing India to build momentum as the chase progressed.

India’s approach throughout the innings was calculated yet aggressive at the right moments, and they reached 306/6 in 49 overs, sealing a memorable victory with six balls to spare.

Top Performers in India’s Chase

Virat Kohli – 93 – The backbone of the chase with a controlled yet dominating knock.
Shubman Gill – 56 – Built a vital partnership with Kohli to steady the chase.

New Zealand’s bowlers fought hard too, with Kyle Jamieson picking up key wickets, and Kristian Clarke bowling economically at crucial junctures.

Match Summary – Key Highlights

Match: 1st ODI, New Zealand in India, Vadodara
New Zealand 1st Innings: 300/8 (50 overs)
India 2nd Innings: 306/6 (49 overs) – India won by 4 wickets
Top Batsmen:
- NZ: Daryl Mitchell 84, Henry Nicholls 62, Devon Conway 56
- IND: Virat Kohli 93, Shubman Gill 56
Best Bowlers: Harshit Rana (2 wickets), Jamieson with support at key moments

Conclusion: A Chase for the Ages in Vadodara

This thrilling meeting in Vadodara was a perfect start to the India-New Zealand ODI series. New Zealand’s total of 300+ looked challenging but not unassailable on a good batting track. India’s response, led by Kohli and Gill, was clinical and confident, showcasing their strength in high-pressure chases.

For fans, it was a great advertisement for ODI cricket — big runs, key partnerships, tactical bowling, and a finish that kept everyone on their toes until the final over. The series now moves forward with India taking the early advantage, setting up an exciting battle in the next fixtures.

Stay tuned as Team India looks to build on this momentum and New Zealand aims to bounce back in the coming matches.

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Prashant

Hi, I’m Prashant Jain — a curious soul, storyteller, and content creator at heart.I’ve always been drawn to the world of entertainment, travel, sports, health & lifestyle — not just as a writer, but as someone who genuinely lives these experiences. Whether I’m binge-watching the latest OTT series, exploring offbeat spiritual destinations in India, or diving deep into wellness routines and cricket match insights, I love sharing what I discover with like-minded readers.
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