IND vs NZ 1st ODI Highlights 2026: Virat Kohli 74 Powers India to Win via DLS Method | Full Match Breakdown & Live Score Updates
IND vs NZ 1st ODI Highlights 2026: Virat Kohli 74 Powers India to Victory via DLS Method
In a rain-affected thriller at Eden Park, Auckland, India defeated New Zealand by 5 wickets via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in the 1st ODI of the series. Chasing a revised target of 143 runs in 32 overs after frequent rain interruptions, batting maestro Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a brilliant 74 off 51 balls to give India a 1-0 lead in the series.
Match Summary: New Zealand 185 All Out (40.2 Overs) | India 143/5 in 22.4 Overs (Target Revised to 143 in 32 Overs via DLS Method). India won by 5 wickets.
1. Match Highlights: How the DLS Method Came into Play
Rain played a massive role during the second innings in Auckland, shaping the final outcome:
- New Zealand Inning Collapse: Indian pacers Arshdeep Singh (4/70) and Gurnoor Brar (3/44) wreaked havoc in overcast conditions, bowling out New Zealand for 185 in 40.2 overs.
- Rain Interruptions: Multiple rain delays during India's run chase resulted in overs being reduced and the target being recalculated using the DLS Method to 143 runs from 32 overs.
- Virat Kohli & Shubman Gill Stand: Kohli scored a masterclass 74 (his 80th ODI fifty) alongside Shubman Gill (37) to secure the victory comfortably in 22.4 overs.
2. IND vs NZ 1st ODI Brief Scorecard Table
| Team / Innings | Score & Overs | Top Performers & Key Stats |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (1st Innings) | 185 All Out (40.2 Overs) | Tim Seifert 38, Blair Tickner 34 | Arshdeep Singh 4/70 |
| India (2nd Innings - DLS Target: 143) | 143/5 (22.4 Overs) | Virat Kohli 74 (51b), Shubman Gill 37 | Jacob Duffy 3/49 |
| Match Result | India Won by 5 Wickets | India lead 5-match ODI series 1-0 (DLS Method) |
3. Virat Kohli Stats & Key Milestones
- 80th ODI Fifty: Virat Kohli reached his 80th half-century milestone in 50-over cricket.
- Match-Winning Knock: His rapid 74 off 51 balls featured aggressive boundary hitting, neutralizing the Kiwi short-ball strategy effectively.
4. IND vs NZ 2nd ODI Schedule & Live Streaming Channel
Fans looking for live streaming and TV broadcast channels for the upcoming 2nd ODI match:
- TV Broadcast Channel: Live telecast available on Star Sports Network / Sports18.
- Live Streaming Online: JioCinema app / Disney+ Hotstar (region-specific OTT apps).
- Next Match (2nd ODI): India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI will be played in Hamilton / Rajkot circuit.
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