IND vs NZ Highlights, 1st ODI: KL Rahul leads India to four-wicket victory over New Zealand in series opener

IND vs NZ Live Score, 1st ODI: New Zealand posted a competitive 300 for 8 in the first ODI against India on Sunday, thanks largely to a brilliant 84-run innings from Daryl Mitchell. Ranked world No. 3 behind Indian superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Mitchell produced a classy, stroke-filled knock that gave New Zealand a much-needed boost after a shaky middle-order collapse. He struck five fours and three sixes, keeping the scoreboard ticking at a crucial stage.The innings had begun in ideal fashion with openers Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls frustrating the Indian bowlers with confident strokeplay. Conway scored 56 off 67 balls, including six fours and a six, while Nicholls made 62 off 69 balls, hitting eight boundaries. The duo’s 117-run opening stand defied India’s attack for the first 21 overs, showcasing well-timed drives, sweeps, and even reverse sweeps, while rotating the strike smartly.The momentum shifted when Harshit Rana returned for his second spell. In the 22nd over, he lured Nicholls into an edge to the wicketkeeper to claim India’s first wicket. Rana then mixed up slower deliveries and back-of-the-hand cutters to dismiss Conway in the 24th over. From 117 for no loss, New Zealand slipped to 198 for five in the 38th over.Mitchell then anchored the innings with crucial partnerships, while debutant Kristian Clarke contributed three boundaries in an unbeaten 17-ball 24, striking at a brisk pace. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna were also among the wickets, with Krishna cleaning up Mitchell Hay, and Shreyas Iyer produced a direct-hit run-out to dismiss skipper Michael Bracewell. Kuldeep Yadav added one wicket, though a dropped chance off Nicholls early had allowed the Kiwi batsmen to settle.Despite regular breakthroughs, the opening pair’s class and Mitchell’s aggressive counterattacks ensured New Zealand crossed the 300-run mark, providing a challenging total for India and setting up an intriguing first ODI encounter.