A high-octane opening match of the India vs New Zealand ODI series sees New Zealand post a competitive 300/8 total, while India’s batting lineup gets off to a steady chase under Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill — setting up a captivating start to the three-match series.
Vadodara, January 11, 2026 — Cricket fans were treated to a thrilling start to the year as the first ODI between India and New Zealand unfolded in Vadodara today, marking one of the most talked-about sporting events within the last 24 hours. India elected to bowl first after winning the toss, a bold decision by captain Shubman Gill as he looked to leverage early bowling conditions.
New Zealand’s innings was anchored by notable contributions from Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls, who stitched together a solid opening partnership. Both batters brought up half-centuries to lay a strong platform, frustrating Indian bowlers in the early overs. The Kiwis eventually posted a competitive total of 300/8 in their allotted 50 overs, thanks in large part to a classy middle-order innings from Daryl Mitchell, who scored 84 runs off 71 balls with a mix of patience and aggression.
India’s bowlers fought back admirably in patches, with Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana striking crucial blows to keep the pressure on the visitors. Siraj finished with two wickets, while Rana chipped in with two more as the hosts looked to restrict New Zealand after a strong start.
In response, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill began India’s chase with intent, providing a steady foundation in the early overs. With India needing 301 to win, the experienced pair showed calm under pressure while building partnerships that could prove crucial in the latter stages of the match.
Off the field, the match generated its own buzz as former India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the ODI series due to a side strain injury, handing opportunities to other players in the squad.
With two more ODIs scheduled in this series, fans are already anticipating tighter contests and potential shifts in momentum as both teams seek early dominance in the 2026 season. 🔥
Vadodara, January 11, 2026 — Cricket fans were treated to a thrilling start to the year as the first ODI between India and New Zealand unfolded in Vadodara today, marking one of the most talked-about sporting events within the last 24 hours. India elected to bowl first after winning the toss, a bold decision by captain Shubman Gill as he looked to leverage early bowling conditions.
New Zealand’s innings was anchored by notable contributions from Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls, who stitched together a solid opening partnership. Both batters brought up half-centuries to lay a strong platform, frustrating Indian bowlers in the early overs. The Kiwis eventually posted a competitive total of 300/8 in their allotted 50 overs, thanks in large part to a classy middle-order innings from Daryl Mitchell, who scored 84 runs off 71 balls with a mix of patience and aggression.
India’s bowlers fought back admirably in patches, with Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana striking crucial blows to keep the pressure on the visitors. Siraj finished with two wickets, while Rana chipped in with two more as the hosts looked to restrict New Zealand after a strong start.
In response, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill began India’s chase with intent, providing a steady foundation in the early overs. With India needing 301 to win, the experienced pair showed calm under pressure while building partnerships that could prove crucial in the latter stages of the match.
Off the field, the match generated its own buzz as former India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the ODI series due to a side strain injury, handing opportunities to other players in the squad.
With two more ODIs scheduled in this series, fans are already anticipating tighter contests and potential shifts in momentum as both teams seek early dominance in the 2026 season. 🔥

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