IND vs NZ 1st ODI Highlights: KL Rahul Finishes It Off With A Six! India Take 1-0 Lead

India vs New Zealand 1st ODI Highlights: Check out all the updates, live score from IND vs NZ 1st ODI match played at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara.

By : Shivam Sharma  | Updated at : 11 Jan 2026 09:40 PM (IST)

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Key Events
21:38 (IST) Jan 11
IND vs NZ Live Score: INDIA WIN
21:28 (IST) Jan 11
IND vs NZ Live Score: India Need 12 Runs In 12 Balls
21:28 (IST) Jan 11
IND vs NZ Live Score: Down To The Wire
21:39 (IST) Jan 11
IND vs NZ Live Score: New Zealand Strike Again
21:52 (IST) Jan 11
IND vs NZ Live Score: All Set For A Tight Finish

IND vs NZ 1st ODI Live Cricket Score, India vs New Zealand Today Match Live Score and Scorecard Updates.
Source : PTI

Background

IND vs NZ 1st ODI Live Cricket Score, India vs New Zealand Today Match Live Score: The 2026 international cricket season for the Indian men's team has officially commenced with a high-profile three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The opening encounter is currently underway at the newly inaugurated BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara. This match holds historic significance as it marks the first-ever men’s international fixture hosted at this venue and brings elite cricket back to the city of Vadodara after a long hiatus of 16 years.

A Fresh Start and Key Returns

The series serves as a critical recalibration for India as they shift their focus back to the 50-over format. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, India has fielded a formidable batting lineup bolstered by the return of veteran legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both stalwarts arrived in Vadodara with momentum, having recently featured in the domestic Vijay Hazare Trophy to sharpen their match fitness.

Adding to the strength of the middle order is the return of vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, who has recovered from an abdominal injury. However, the Indian camp faced a late setback when wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the series due to a muscle strain sustained during a net session. He has been replaced by the young Dhruv Jurel, though KL Rahul is expected to shoulder the primary keeping duties for the opener.

New Zealand’s Experimental Challenge

The visiting New Zealand side, captained by Michael Bracewell, enters the series with a blend of experience and fresh talent. While they are missing several senior figures like Mitchell Santner (joining later for T20Is) and Kane Williamson, the presence of Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Glenn Phillips ensures the Black Caps remain a dangerous unit. For the Kiwis, this tour is a test of their depth and adaptability to subcontinental conditions ahead of a busy global schedule.

Conditions at Kotambi

The pitch at the Kotambi Stadium is widely expected to be a "batter's paradise," offering consistent bounce and a fast outfield. With clear weather and temperatures hovering around 28°C, a high-scoring contest is on the cards. However, the evening dew is predicted to play a major role, making the toss vital as the team batting second may find the ball skidding on more easily.

21:38 PM (IST)  •  11 Jan 2026

IND vs NZ Live Score: INDIA WIN

Consecutive boundaries from KL Rahul, a six, then a four, and then again a six, take India past the finish line from a perilous position. They take a 1-0 lead in the IND vs NZ ODI series, winning the match by 4 wickets.

The Men in Blue have chased 301 runs, a day marked by Virat Kohli's 93, Harshit Rana's brilliance with the bat and ball, Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer's return to international cricket, as well as KL Rahul's composure.

New Zealand's grit and comeback was something to watch out for as well. Many teams would have given up from the position they were in, but the Kiwis fought back hard and gave the Men in Blue a run for their money, triggering a batting collapse late in the second innings.

Final scores:

India: 306/6 (49 overs)

KL Rahul: 29(21)
Washington Sundar: 7(7)

21:28 PM (IST)  •  11 Jan 2026

IND vs NZ Live Score: India Need 12 Runs In 12 Balls

6 singles and a dropped catch from the over and this match has gone down to the wire. Its anyone's game from this point but India would still be backing themselves with KL Rahul out there.

India: 289-6 (48 overs)

KL Rahul: 14(17)
Washington Sundar: 5(5)

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Rishabh Pant Virat Kohli IND Vs NZ Live Score India Vs New Zealand Live Score ROHIT SHARMA IND Vs NZ Live Updates
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