Rahuls late onslaught guides India to victory over New Zealand in first ODI

KL Rahul produced a calm and composed innings under pressure to hand India a memorable victory in the first ODI against New Zealand on Sunday. The Indian batter emerged as the hero in a thrilling four-wicket win, delivering when it mattered the most.

Chasing a target of 301, India found themselves under pressure at one stage of the innings. Towards the end, with an injured Washington Sundar for company, Rahul was just 14 off 17 balls. However, his patient start paid off in the final over. In the 49th over, Rahul took control of the match by smashing Kristian Clarke for two consecutive fours followed by a six. India reached 306 for 6 in 49 overs to seal the win, with Rahul (29*) and Sundar (7*) remaining unbeaten.

Earlier, Harshit Rana played a vital cameo, scoring 29 off 23 balls, which significantly eased the pressure for India.

India began the chase aggressively, with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill putting the New Zealand bowlers under early pressure. Rohit, however, failed to capitalise on his start and was dismissed for 26 off 29 balls. Gill then built a crucial partnership with Virat Kohli but was eventually dismissed by Adithya Ashok for 56 off 71 deliveries.

Kohli was in sublime touch and narrowly missed out on a century, scoring 93 off 91 balls, including eight fours and a six. Shreyas Iyer also made an important contribution but fell just short of a half-century, dismissed for 49 off 47 balls by Kyle Jamieson.

Earlier in the match, New Zealand made a strong start to their innings, with Henry Nicholls and Devon Conway adding 117 runs for the first wicket. India fought back strongly in the middle overs through disciplined bowling. Daryl Mitchell anchored the innings with a well-made 84 before being dismissed late, but his effort ensured the Black Caps posted a competitive total of 300 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs.

India’s three seamers shared the wickets, picking up two each.

In the end, Rahul’s cool-headed finish proved decisive as India took the lead in the ODI series.