The opening match of the India New Zealand ODI series delivered pure drama in Vadodara. India secured a thrilling victory by chasing down a target of 301. While New Zealand showed incredible grit, Virat Kohli’s tactical brilliance turned the tide for the home side.
Virat Kohli Shines in the Chase
The opening match was a historic night for “King Kohli.” His match-winning 93 helped him reach several personal milestones. Most notably, he is now the fastest player to hit 28,000 runs. This puts him in a great position regarding the Virat Kohli international runs record.
Updated Virat Kohli POTM Awards Total
After this stellar knock, the Virat Kohli POTM awards total in ODIs has officially reached 45. He currently sits third on the all-time list for this format. Across all international cricket, his tally is now 71 trophies. He is quickly closing in on Sachin Tendulkar’s world record of 76 awards.
Incredible Virat Kohli Stats in 300+ Chases
Kohli’s performance reinforced his status as the ultimate “Chase Master.” Recent Virat Kohli stats in 300+ chases show he has 1,091 runs at an average of 121.22. He has also scored seven centuries in these specific pressure situations. This level of consistency is unmatched by any other active player today.
Shubman Gill Leads from the Front
Leading the side as captain, Shubman Gill made a strong statement with 56 runs. His personal record in Shubman Gill vs New Zealand ODIs remains highly impressive. He currently maintains a batting average of over 65 against the Black Caps.
The partnership between Gill and Kohli provided a perfect platform for the middle order. Even though Kyle Jamieson took quick wickets later, India remained in total control.
Match Highlights at a Glance:
- Daryl Mitchell: Scored a brilliant 84 to set the target.
- Kyle Jamieson: Took 4/41 to challenge the Indian batters.
- KL Rahul: Remained calm and unbeaten to finish the game.
Tracking the Virat Kohli International Runs Record
As the India vs New Zealand ODI series 2026 continues, fans are tracking every run. Kohli is now eyeing the all-time legendary mark of 34,357 runs. Given his current form, many expect more records to tumble very soon.
You can follow the official ICC rankings to see how these performances affect world standings. Additionally, visit the BCCI website for the full scorecard of this match.
The India vs New Zealand ODI series 2026 now moves to Rajkot. India looks to clinch the trophy while the Kiwis hope to bounce back. It promises to be another exciting chapter in this modern cricket rivalry.
