Virat Kohli became the second highest run-scorer in all forms of international cricket as he helped lead India to a four-wicket win in the first ODI against New Zealand.
Kohli’s masterful 93 off 91 balls, his 77th ODI fifty, moved him to 28,068 runs to surpass Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara (28,016) and sit just behind Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar’s 34,357.
He hit eight fours and a six to reduce India’s innings to 306-6 in 49 overs in reply to the Black Caps’ 300-8 (50 overs) in Vadodara. Daryl Mitchell top scored for the visitors with 84 off 71 balls.
Pacer Kyle Jamieson took 4-41 in 10 overs as India’s chase suffered a hiccup in the final stages. But Harshit Rana scored 29 off 23 balls as Lokesh Rahul and Washington Sundar helped seal the game in favor of the hosts.
Rahul scored 29 not out from 21 balls, hitting two fours and a six and ended the game with six balls to spare.
This was after Devon Conway (56) and Henry Nicholls (62) put on 117 runs for the first wicket, but New Zealand lost their way after that with five wickets for 81 runs.
India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with the win. The second ODI will be played in Rajkot on Wednesday.