Cricket matches often turn on small moments and India’s opening ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara was a perfect example of the same. Chasing a target of 301 at the Baroda Cricket Stadium, Shubman Gill-led side looked firmly in control before a sudden twist made things tense. What seemed like a smooth chase turned into a nervy finish but India eventually crossed the line with a four-wicket win in the 49th over.
Virat Kohli played a big role in keeping India on track with a composed knock of 93 that anchored the innings. His effort set up the chase and ensured India stayed ahead of the required rate. However, late wickets gave New Zealand a chance to fight back, causing a brief scare for the hosts. It was then that KL Rahul and Harshit Rana showed calmness under pressure, guiding India home and sealing the series opener.
Amid the focus on Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer quietly reminded everyone of his importance to the middle order. Playing his first international match since October last year, Shreyas Iyer returned after a long injury break and looked assured at the crease. He fell just one run short of a half-century, scoring 49, but his contribution was vital in stabilising the innings.
Shreyas Iyer shared a crucial partnership with Virat Kohli, adding 77 runs for the third wicket before Kohli was dismissed in the 40th over. During his 47-ball stay, Shreyas Iyer struck four boundaries and a six, showing confidence and timing despite the long layoff.
At 31, Shreyas Iyer is also on the verge of a significant personal milestone. He needs just 34 more runs to reach 3,000 runs in one-day internationals. Having scored 2,966 runs in 68 innings across 74 ODIs, he could become the fastest Indian batter to reach the mark if he gets there in the second ODI in Rajkot on Wednesday.
The current Indian record belongs to Shikhar Dhawan, who reached 3,000 runs in 72 innings. Virat Kohli follows with 75 innings, while KL Rahul took 78. The overall world record is held by South Africa’s Hashim Amla who achieved the milestone in just 57 innings.
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