India Defeat New Zealand by Five Wickets in Rain-Shortened First ODI

India defeated New Zealand by five wickets in the first One-Day International of the series at Eden Park in Auckland on November 4, 2026.

New Zealand were bowled out for 185. Rain reduced India's target to 143. The Indian chase was anchored by Virat Kohli, who scored 74. The result gave India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

India's pace attack, led by young bowlers including Gurnoor Brar, restricted New Zealand with bounce and movement. The visitors never recovered from early losses of wickets. Kohli, celebrating his 38th birthday the following day, controlled the run chase and finished with a measured innings that left little margin for error once the revised target was set.

The match was interrupted by rain, which activated the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method and lowered the target. India's top order navigated the conditions without further loss of momentum. The five-wicket margin reflected both the reduced target and the control exercised by the middle order.

This was India's first ODI of the tour. The series continues with two more matches. New Zealand, playing at home, will look to level the series in the second game. For India the result continues a pattern of competitive white-ball performances on recent tours.

Kohli's 74 was his highest score in the limited opportunities he has had in the format this year. His presence in the middle stabilised the chase after the target was revised. Supporting contributions from the top order ensured the required rate never became a factor.

Eden Park has historically favoured the side batting second in limited-overs cricket when conditions allow. The rain interruption tested both teams' ability to recalculate. India's bowlers had already done the bulk of the work by dismissing New Zealand for 185. The chase then became a matter of execution under the revised equation.

The series is part of India's white-ball calendar ahead of future ICC events. Results in New Zealand have often been close. The five-wicket win sets a positive tone for the remaining fixtures while leaving New Zealand with home advantage still to exploit in the next two matches.