International cricket returned to Indian soil for the 2026 season with a classic nail-biter as India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the first ODI at the Kotambi Stadium on Sunday. Virat Kohli topped the chase with a virtuoso 93, but it was KL Rahul’s poise with a giant six that finally broke the Kiwis’ resistance.
Kohli Sets the Course; Misses Century
Chasing down a stiff target of 301, India’s innings were constructed around a sublime knock from Virat Kohli. The “King” seemed in control, setting eight boundaries and a six for his 91-ball stay. As he did, he made a more permanent mark on history, becoming the fastest player to go on 28,000 international runs, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s career.
Kohli had a key 118-run partnership with captain Shubman Gill (56), and looked to be set for his 54th ODI century. But when Kohli was caught by Michael Bracewell off Kyle Jamieson for 93 – no less than 7 runs down his comeback path – the stadium fell into a stunned silence.
Late Drama, And Rahul’s Final Game Kohli’s dismissal set off a classic New Zealand retort. Kyle Jamieson (4/41) unleashed his own havoc, forcing Ravindra Jadeja and Shreyas Iyer (49) out in quick succession as India slid from 234/2 to 242/5. Now with the match hanging on the precipice and Washington Sundar limping along with injuries on the opposite end, up came the young Harshit Rana with his fearless role-playing by dropping 29 off 23 balls and knocking it down.
Demoted number six KL Rahul now took the reins in the final moments. With 12 runs required from the last two overs, Rahul unleashed a run of 4, 4, and 6 ahead of debutant Kristian Clarke, finishing undefeated on 29*, with six balls to spare. - New Zealand’s Gritty 300. New Zealand then came up 300/8 following a 117-run opening stand between Devon Conway (56) and Henry Nicholls (62). Daryl Mitchell was used to that late spark with a robust 84 off 71 balls. India’s pace trio of Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana all took two wickets each to ensure the target was within reach.
