Last Updated on 6 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
Virat Kohli continues to produce the goods as he peeled off a superb 74 off 51 balls in the first ODI against New Zealand at Eden Park. After taking a superb one-handed catch in the slips, Kohli then formed the cornerstone of the run chase with his innings helping India reach their rain-reduced target of 143 with ease.
The 37-year-old sent another reminder of why he is one of ODI cricket’s all-time greats, playing with total freedom on a pitch where most other batter struggled for fluency. Timing was a key feature early in his stay, with a trademark wristy flick through midwicket off just his seventh delivery. 16 deliveries later, he produced arguably the shot of the day – a glorious extra cover drive on the up off Blair Tickner, who would’ve (rightly) walked back to his mark thinking he did nothing wrong.
Kohli was also ruthless on anything bowled slightly short; the kind of the length that troubled many others throughout the opening ODI. He opened his arms after multiple rain delays interruped the run chase, dancing down the track with great effect to further mess with bowlers’ lengths. He finished with 13 fours and a six in his 51-ball stay.
Earlier, New Zealand were bowled out for 185 after being sent in to bat. A number of players were out to the short ball as they struggled to deal with the extra bounce on offer. Arshdeep Singh took four wickets, but it was Gurnoor Brar (3/44 off 9.2 overs) and man of the match Anshul Kamboj (2/22 off 10 overs) who impressed most.
Fans, pundits react to Virat Kohli’s 74 off 51 balls that put India 1-0 up in the ODI series against New Zealand
Rohit Sharma was out for a duck in the first over of the chase, but the Black Caps were out of contention once Kohli got into his groove.
“No other player makes batting look as easy as Virat Kohli does. On this wicket, even Shubman Gill, who has been in the form of his life, is struggling yet Virat seems to be batting on another planet. Another reason why he is best ODI batter the world has ever seen,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).
“Virat Kohli doesn’t just play ODI cricket, he makes it look effortless. The game isn’t easy, he’s just that good. A true master of the art,” wrote another.
Here are some of the reactions.
Despite a few late wickets, India sealed a comfortable victory with 56 balls to spare (DLS). The series now moves to Wellington for the second ODI on Saturday.
