India Beats New Zealand in ODI Opener

India defeated New Zealand by five wickets in the first one-day international at Eden Park on Wednesday.

The match began with India winning the toss and choosing to bowl. New Zealand posted 185 runs in 40.2 overs before rain interrupted the innings. The hosts lost their top order early, with pace bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar taking seven wickets between them. Singh claimed four wickets for 70 runs, while Brar took three for 44. All-rounder Anshul Kamboj was named man of the match after taking two wickets for 22 runs in ten overs.

Virat Kohli opened the chase for India and remained at the crease until the target was reached. He scored 74 runs off 51 balls, his 80th half-century in one-day internationals. The 38-year-old was dismissed by Jacob Duffy at deep square leg. Before his dismissal, Kohli made a one-handed catch at slips to dismiss Nathan Smith for one run. This marked Kohli's first major contribution in the series after a recent T20 victory.

New Zealand opened the batting with Tim Seifert, who replaced Devon Conway due to a concussion. Seifert top-scored for the hosts with 38 runs in his first one-day international in 18 months.

Captain Shubman Gill described the bowling performance as very good. He noted that the team delivered a strong collective effort. The five-match series continues in Wellington on Saturday.