The matchup between India and New Zealand in ODIs has delivered plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments over the years, full of smart plays, standout efforts, and unexpected twists. During the India vs. New Zealand ODI 2026 lineup, that first game grabbed attention right away, showing exactly why these teams keep fans hooked. Part of New Zealand’s trip to India back in 2025-26, this three-game set started with a gripping day-night clash. Here, we’re zeroing in on the 1st ODI that took place on January 11, 2026, in Vadodara, a contest that gave us a standout India vs New Zealand ODI scorecard and had everyone watching closely.

Fans were buzzing about this India vs New Zealand ODI series, thanks to all those nail-biters from past meetings. The Kiwis have a knack for throwing India off balance, even on tough away tours. That opener in Vadodara promised fireworks, kicking off what looked like a hard-fought battle. Kotambi Stadium, known for pitches that give both sides a fair shot, seemed ideal for the start, especially with the lights adding extra intensity.

Pre-Match Build-Up: Teams, Strategies, and Expectations

Teams spent time sharpening their approaches before the game. India had Shubman Gill stepping up as captain for this one, with Rohit Sharma opening the batting. Their order packed a punch, featuring names like Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul. Up front with the ball, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna handled pace duties, backed by spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar. On the New Zealand side, Michael Bracewell called the shots, with Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls opening, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips holding the middle, and bowlers like Kyle Jamieson, Kristian Clarke, and Zak Foulkes ready to fire.

Talk leading up centered on dealing with local pitches. New Zealand players focused on countering spin and handling evening moisture, while India aimed to press their edge at home through flexible players who could bat and bowl. Experts figured it’d be a run-fest, based on the ground’s track record, but stressed building big stands and tight spells. This kickoff in the India vs New Zealand ODI 2026 served as a real gauge for upcoming big events like the Champions Trophy.

Conditions that day worked out well: no clouds, temps dipping to about 20°C after dark, light breeze, and some dew expected later. Winning the coin flip mattered a lot, since sides often chase in these evening fixtures to use the slick ball.

Coin Flip and Opening Overs

New Zealand got the toss and chose to set a target, betting on a surface that might help fast bowlers early but flatten out. India didn’t mind bowling first. With Kotambi packed and lively, the action started under the floodlights.

The Kiwi openers, Conway and Nicholls, played it safe against Siraj and Rana. They picked up 49 in the first ten without trouble. Conway stroked the ball nicely, while Nicholls settled in. Their duo hit 50 by over 11, then 100 before 20. That base let the rest of the lineup breathe easier.

India’s attack stayed sharp, with Siraj swinging it and Rana getting lift. Spinners came on to slow things down, but New Zealand kept ticking over singles. The shift happened in over 22: Rana got Nicholls edging to Rahul for 62, breaking a 117-run opening effort. Conway went next, cleaned up by Rana for 56, putting them at 126/2.

Kiwis’ Middle Pushback

Young came in with Mitchell, but lasted just for 12, nicking Siraj to Rahul. At 146/3, steadiness was key. Mitchell picked up the pace, smacking boundaries to reach 50 fast. Phillips added 12 before Kuldeep tricked him into a catch at Iyer’s hands. Down to 170/4, the innings teetered, but Mitchell linked up with Hay (18) and Bracewell (16) to rebuild.

Iyer’s quick throw ran out Bracewell, sparking more chaos, and Foulkes (1) fell soon after. Clarke, though, smashed an unbeaten 24 from 17, with three fours, boosting the total. Mitchell’s 84 from 71, five boundaries, three maximums, stood out. They ended on 300/8, a solid score where anything over 280 felt defendable.

India shared the wickets: Siraj 2/40 from 8, Rana 2/65 from 10, Krishna 2/60 from 9, Kuldeep 1/52 from 9. Jadeja and Sundar kept it tight without scalps. The outfield work impressed, especially that run-out.

India’s Pursuit

Needing 301, India wanted a quick launch. Rohit attacked early, making 26 from 29 with three fours and two sixes, before Jamieson had him caught by Bracewell. After ten overs at 48/1, Gill and Kohli stepped up. Gill flowed to 56 from 71, three fours and two sixes, while Kohli built carefully.

That 118-run link put them in control, Kohli easing to 50. Gill exited at 174/2, taken off by Ashok. Kohli pushed on to 93 from 91, eight fours, one six, ruling the slower bowlers. Iyer chipped in 49 from 47, but Jamieson struck twice, getting Kohli and then Iyer, leaving 239/4.

Jadeja managed only 4, ramping up the nerves, yet Rahul’s 29 not out from 21, two fours, one six, calmed things. Rana blasted 29 from 23 before Clarke got him. Sundar (7*) and Rahul closed it out at 306/6 with six balls spare, taking the win by four wickets.

New Zealand’s attack battled: Jamieson shone with 4/41 from 10, Ashok 1/55, Clarke 1/73. Foulkes (0/49) and Bracewell (0/56) worked hard but came up empty.

Kohli took the match award for his pivotal role in the hunt.

First ODI Scoreboard

New Zealand Batting

India Bowling

India Batting

New Zealand Bowling

Standout Efforts and Game-Changers

Kohli’s 93 stole the show, mixing calm buildup with sharp attacks. He kept the board moving and hit bad balls hard. Mitchell’s 84 anchored New Zealand; those three big hits lifted spirits. Jamieson’s 4/41 made his mark, using extra height for awkward bounce.

Pivotal shifts: Breaking the openers swung things India’s way, and Jamieson’s middle-over wickets cranked up the pressure. Rahul sealed it coolly. Rana chipped in everywhere with wickets plus quick runs, hinting at his all-around potential.

Backstory in India-New Zealand ODI Clashes

This game fits into a storied contest. India edges the tally 60-50 from 118 games, though New Zealand pulls off big wins, like that 2019 semi. Hosts usually rule at home, but the Kiwis’ 2023 success proved they can adapt. Vadodara often sees big totals, like here.

Past highlights: Tendulkar’s 2010 double in Gwalior, Williamson’s tons on tours. Kohli’s effort recalled his knack for big chases, pushing him near 14,000 runs.

FAQs

Wrapping Up

That opening ODI in the India vs New Zealand ODI 2026 turned into a real test of grit and talent, India edging out New Zealand’s strong start in Vadodara. Packed with key plays and solid showings, it primes the pump for more in this classic matchup. Fans have plenty to look forward to as things unfold.