India started their five match ODI series against New Zealand with a five wicket win in the first match at Eden Park, Auckland on Wednesday 4 November 2026. Indian fast bowler Anshul Kamboj was named Player of the Match after he bowled superbly as hosts were bowled out for 185.
India chased down the revised target of 160 in DLS method (143/5 off 22.4 overs). The victory gave India a 1-0 lead in the series and got them off to a good start.
Anshul Kamboj Makes a Match-Winning Contribution
Anshul Kamboj was important to India’s bowling as he picked up two wickets for just 22 runs in his 10 overs. He kept New Zealand’s scoring rate low and put pressure on the home team batting line-up.
Kamboj held the middle overs together and made some valuable breakthroughs. That performance won him Player of the Match and so it was an unforgettable day for Kamboj in his first ODI.
Arshdeep Singh also had an important bowling performance with four wickets for 70 runs. Gurnoor Brar supported him with three wickets for 44 runs.
New Zealand Bowled Out for 185
India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to bowl first. India’s bowlers picked up wickets regularly and New Zealand were unable to build a major partnership as a result.
New Zealand were eventually bowled out for 185 in 40.2 overs. Tim Seifert scored 38 and Blair Tickner contributed 34 towards the end of the innings.
India’s pace attack shared the wickets and Kamboj’s economical spell helped visitors keep pressure on throughout innings.
Virat Kohli Leads India's Run Chase
India’s chase got off to a shaky start as Rohit Sharma was out for a duck in the first over but Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli steadied the innings.
Kohli had an attacking innings of 74 off 51 balls. His contribution kept India’s run rate under control and helped the team get closer to the target.
Gill also supported the chase before rain brought an end to the match.
Rain Forces a DLS Revision
Rain played havoc with the second innings at Eden Park and match officials had to revise India’s target under DLS method.
India were given a revised target of 143 runs from 32 overs. The visitors reached 143/5 in 22.4 overs to win by five wickets.
It showed India’s bowling performance and how well they adapted to the revised target despite the weather interruption.
India Take a 1-0 Lead in the ODI Series
The opening win gives India an advantage in the five-match series. Kamboj’s Player of the Match will be a confidence booster; Kohli’s batting and bowling effort too.
New Zealand will be looking to bounce back in the second ODI and get their batting going while India will want to keep their winning streak going and strengthen their position in the series.
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