India kicked off their ODI series against New Zealand with a four-wicket victory in the opening match at Vadodara on Sunday, but the night belonged to Virat Kohli, who anchored India's chase. Pursuing a target of 301, India rode on Kohli’s masterclass that once again highlighted his ability to perform in tense moments.
Kohli anchored the chase with a sublime 93, featuring eight boundaries and a six. However, there was also a heartbreak for Kohli as he agonisingly fell short of his 54th ODI hundred. He was dismissed by Kyle Jamieson just when he was seven runs short of his century. Nonetheless, Kohli's effort proved to be influential as India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
During his innings, Kohli accomplished a monumental milestone by becoming the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket across all formats. Following India's victory, Indian captain Shubman Gill was full of praise for the legendary batter.
"At the moment, the way he is batting, he is making batting look easy, especially on this kind of surface. It's not easy to start on these pitches but the way he is batting It's very hard to replicate how he is batting at the moment. So hopefully, he keeps piling on runs," Gill said after the match.
Captain Gill, who had been struggling to get runs, played a crucial knock of 56, stitching an important partnership with Virat Kohli.
"Always feels great to chip in, especially when you're chasing," Gill said.
"Staying in the present is most important, especially for athletes or any other sportsperson. That's what I try to do," he said.