New Zealand struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Indian bowling attack. The visitors used the short ball effectively and made good use of the conditions to keep the batters under pressure.
Arshdeep Singh led the effort with four wickets, while Brar picked up three. Anshul Kamboj also impressed with a controlled spell of 2/22 in 10 overs, including two maidens.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s top order failed to produce a substantial contribution. Tim Seifert, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips all showed brief promise, but none managed to turn their starts into a big score.
The hosts found some late momentum through Blair Tickner and Jacob Duffy. The pair added an unbeaten-looking flourish to the innings with a last-wicket stand of 39 runs. However, their effort could only lift New Zealand to a total that remained below par.
India suffered an early setback when Rohit Sharma fell in the opening over of 1st ODI against New Zealand the home side. However, Gill and Kohli steadied the innings and gradually took charge.
The pair handled the new ball well and adjusted to the extra bounce. They also kept the scoreboard moving while New Zealand continued to attack with short-pitched deliveries.
Kohli looked in control from the moment he arrived at the crease. He brought up a quick half-century from just 35 balls and once again showed why he remains such a reliable batter in run chases.
Gill supported him well as the two added 113 runs for the partnership. Although both batters fell before the finish, their stand had already put India in a commanding position.
Jacob Duffy provided some resistance with three wickets. However, New Zealand could not build enough pressure to turn the contest around.
Just as India began to settle into the chase, rain brought play to a halt. The first interruption lasted around 90 minutes and reduced the match to 40 overs per side.
The weather then caused another delay. This time, officials cut India’s innings to 32 overs and revised the target to 143 under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.
Despite the interruptions, India remained in control. The revised target gave them a clear path towards victory, although a few late wickets made the finish less comfortable than expected.
India lost several wickets towards the end in 1st ODI, but they did enough to complete the chase against New Zealand and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Their bowlers laid the foundation by keeping New Zealand in check for most of the first innings. Kohli and Gill then made the most of that advantage with a decisive partnership.
New Zealand showed some fight through their lower order and picked up wickets during the chase. However, their late efforts came too late to change the outcome.
