Punching above their weight has long been the hallmark of New Zealand cricket team, but on Sunday, the early damage inflicted by Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill proved too much for the visitors to undo. India eventually crossed the line in a tense chase at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium to take a 1–0 lead in the three-match ODI series.

Chasing a competitive target of 301 on a chilly, dew-laden evening, India’s innings was built on a solid foundation laid by its top order. Even after captain Rohit Sharma departed following a brisk cameo, the hosts remained in control. Gill, who looked fluent during his half-century, fell after gifting leg-spinner Adithya Ashok a wicket, but the momentum stayed firmly with India.

Kohli then slipped seamlessly into his familiar chase-master role. Beginning aggressively with six boundaries in his first 20 deliveries, he soon shifted gears, focusing on rotating the strike. At the other end, Shreyas Iyer took on the spinners, keeping the asking rate in check. Gill’s earlier attack on Adithya after the Powerplay forced New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell to introduce himself into the attack.

With 67 needed from 11 overs and Kohli closing in on a century, the crowd sensed a comfortable finish. However, Kyle Jamieson dramatically swung the contest by picking up three wickets in seven balls. Kohli fell attempting to clear mid-off, Ravindra Jadeja was caught at mid-on, and Iyer was bowled by a cutter, leaving India suddenly rattled.

With Washington Sundar injured earlier, Harshit Rana walked out to join KL Rahul. Rana survived the hat-trick ball and swung freely before falling, after which a battling Sundar returned to support Rahul. With the equation down to a run-a-ball, Rahul held his nerve, striking back-to-back boundaries before sealing the match with a towering six over cow corner off debutant Kristian Clarke in the penultimate over.

Earlier, New Zealand’s innings was anchored by a strong opening stand after a dropped chance reprieved Henry Nicholls. The pair added 117 runs before Rana struck twice on his return spell. Apart from Daryl Mitchell, who once again troubled the Indian attack, the middle order failed to build on the start. Mitchell’s late assault helped the Black Caps reach 300, but it ultimately fell short.

India now take confidence into the next match as the series moves to Rajkot.