Napier: India beat New Zealand by 8 wickets for the first ODI being played at McLean Park here on Wednesday. This is the first match of five-match One-day International (ODI) series which the two teams are set to play.
It is important to note here that this the first win for India against NZ in NZ across any format since 2009.
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson had won the toss and opted to bat first. The Kiwis managed to put up a meager score of 157 (all out). Williamson scored the highest of 64. None of the other members of the team managed to have a respectable score.
India’s bowling squad gave a tough challenge for the NZ batsmen in the 1st ODI. Kuldeep Yadav took the highest of 4 wickets. Mohammad Shami took 3, Yuzvendra Chahal took 2 and Kedar Jadhav took 1 wicket.
The Indian team managed to cross the score in just 34.5 overs (DLS method). India’s Shikhar Dhawan score the top score with 75 (not out) with stable partnerships with captain Virat Kohli (45), Ambati Rayadu (13) and Rohit Sharma (11).
Shami got the Man of the Match trophy and credited the entire Indian squad working as a team for their win today.
“It was one of our most balanced performances. With the ball, couldn’t have asked for anything better”, said Kohli in post match presentation of 1st ODI in NZ.
Williamson agreed that this was not their best effort and hoped for a better series.
Indian team has been in top form and both the batting and bowling unit proved the same today. There will be five ODIs and three T20s in New Zealand.
Next match will be on January 26th at Mount Maunganui. Fans will be expecting Team India to continue with their winning streak.
Also Read: India Vs New Zealand 1st ODI : Williamson Wins Toss And Opts To Bat
Ms Kalinga