Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill guide India to victory under the DLS method after bowlers restrict New Zealand to a modest total at Eden Park.

AUCKLAND, November 4, 2026: India defeated New Zealand by five wickets under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in the opening match of the five-game One-Day International (ODI) series at Eden Park, Auckland, on Wednesday.

Rain interruptions reduced India’s target to 143 runs in 32 overs, with the visitors completing the chase to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

India’s bowlers laid the foundation for victory with an impressive performance against the New Zealand batting line-up. Arshdeep Singh claimed four wickets, while Gurnoor Brar took three and Anshul Kamboj finished with figures of 2/22 in his 10 overs, including two maidens.

New Zealand struggled against India’s disciplined seam attack and short-ball strategy. Blair Tickner and Jacob Duffy added a late 39-run partnership for the final wicket to give their side some valuable runs.

India suffered an early setback when Rohit Sharma was dismissed in the opening over. However, captain Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli steadied the innings with a 113-run partnership.

Kohli scored a rapid half-century from just 35 deliveries, while Gill provided stability at the other end. Their partnership put India in a commanding position before rain interruptions further reduced the target.

Although New Zealand’s bowlers claimed wickets towards the end, India secured victory with five wickets remaining.

Kamboj was named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance.

After the match, Gill praised India’s bowling and fielding, particularly highlighting Rohit Sharma’s run-out as a turning point. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner admitted his team had struggled to adjust to the extra bounce and pace of the surface.

The second ODI will be played at Hnry Stadium in Wellington on Saturday, November 7, with the first ball scheduled for 7:30am IST (2am GMT).