Agency, Nov 4: India began their five-match ODI series against New Zealand with a five-wicket victory in the opening match on Wednesday, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
Chasing an initial target of 185, India were 54 for one in 10.5 overs when rain interrupted play. Following the interruption, the revised target under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method was set at 143 in 32 overs. India comfortably reached the target in 22.3 overs, losing five wickets in the process.
Virat Kohli led India’s chase with an impressive half-century, scoring 74 off 51 balls, including 13 fours and a six. Captain Shubman Gill contributed 37 runs, while Shreyas Iyer added 15.
For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets for 49 runs in his seven overs. Kyle Jamieson and Nathan Smith took one wicket each.
Earlier, after being put in to bat at Eden Park, New Zealand were bowled out for 185 in 40.2 overs. Tim Seifert top-scored with 38 runs, while Blair Tickner contributed 34, Glenn Phillips scored 30, and Daryl Mitchell added 28. Jacob Duffy remained unbeaten on 15.
For India, Arshdeep Singh was the leading wicket-taker with four wickets for 70 runs in his 10 overs. Harshit Rana claimed three wickets, while Anshul Kamboj picked up two.
The second ODI between the two sides is scheduled for Saturday.
