VADODARA: India began their one-day international series against New Zealand with a four-wicket victory in Vadodara on Sunday, even as Virat Kohli fell agonisingly short of a record-extending 54th ODI century.
Chasing 301, the in-form Kohli anchored the innings with a sublime 93, striking eight boundaries and a six. The 37-year-old, who had amassed 376 runs in his previous four ODI innings, looked set for another landmark hundred before being dismissed by Kyle Jamieson with the milestone in sight. The Vadodara crowd’s disappointment was evident, but they rose in appreciation as Kohli walked off after achieving another historic feat.
Kohli became the second-highest run scorer in international cricket across all formats, moving to 28,068 runs and overtaking Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara (28,016). Only Sachin Tendulkar, with 34,357 runs, now sits ahead of him. “If I look back at my whole journey, it’s nothing short of a dream come true for me,” Kohli said after edging closer to his mentor’s record.
India’s chase stumbled early when opener Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 26, but Kohli and captain Shubman Gill rebuilt the innings with a vital 118-run stand. Gill made a composed 56 before falling soon after receiving treatment on his back. Jamieson then swung the momentum New Zealand’s way with a sharp spell, finishing with 4-41. He removed Ravindra Jadeja in the same over as Kohli and then clean-bowled Shreyas Iyer for 49, leaving India reeling at 242-5.
Rana provided a timely counter-attack, surviving a dropped catch on 12 and adding a brisk 29 to keep India in the contest. With the required rate climbing, KL Rahul showed composure under pressure, steering the hosts home with an unbeaten 29. Rahul sealed the win with two fours and a six in the penultimate over.
