New Zealand posted a total of 301 runs after opting to bat first in the opening One Day International against India at the BCA Cricket Stadium in Vadodara.
After a solid start, New Zealand reached 170 for 3 in the first 33 overs, raising expectations of a total beyond 320. However, Indian bowlers applied pressure in the closing overs to restrict the visitors to 301.
Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls put together a century partnership to lay the foundation for New Zealand’s innings. The first wicket fell in the 22nd over at a score of 117. Nicholls scored 62 runs off 69 balls, including eight fours, while Conway made 56 runs off 67 balls with six fours and one six.
Will Young was dismissed for 12 runs during the third-wicket stand. New Zealand then lost momentum with a few middle-order setbacks before Daryl Mitchell stabilised the innings.
Mitchell scored 84 runs off 71 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes. His innings helped New Zealand push the total forward after the end of the opening partnership. Glenn Phillips scored 12 runs off 19 balls, Mitchell Hay added 18 runs off 13 balls, and captain Michael Bracewell made 16 runs off 18 balls.
Debutant Christian Clarke contributed an unbeaten 24 off 17 balls, including three fours. Kyle Jamieson remained not out on 8 off 8 balls, taking New Zealand close to the 300-run mark.
For India, Mohammed Siraj claimed 2 wickets for 40 runs in 8 overs. Harshit Rana took 2 wickets for 65 runs in his 10 overs. Prasidh Krishna picked up two wickets, while Kuldeep यादव took one. Washington Sundar sustained an injury during the match and is under observation by the medical team, with his batting availability uncertain.
India have been set a target of 301 runs in the first ODI.
