Virat Kohli breaks records as India beat New Zealand in first ODI

Virat Kohli produced a record-breaking performance with the bat as India defeated New Zealand by five wickets in the rain-affected first ODI at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday.

A disciplined bowling display, led by Arshdeep Singh, restricted the hosts to 185 before Kohli's blistering half-century guided India to their revised target of 143 in just 22.4 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.

Kohli finished unbeaten on 74 off 51 deliveries, striking 13 fours and a six to steer India to victory with 56 balls to spare.

The former India captain also reached two significant milestones during the run chase, further strengthening his position among the greatest batters in ODI history.

What records did Virat Kohli break?

Kohli became the first batter to score 13,000 runs while batting at number three in ODI cricket.

He reached the landmark during India's chase, taking just 13 deliveries to accumulate the 12 runs he needed at the start of his innings.

The milestone came in his 251st ODI innings at number three, a position he has occupied 254 times between 2009 and 2026.

Kohli has accumulated 13,000 runs at an outstanding average of 61.6 in this position, including 48 centuries and 69 half-centuries, with a highest score of 183.

The 37-year-old also surpassed legendary India batter Sachin Tendulkar to become the leading run-scorer in ODI run chases.

Kohli moved past Tendulkar's previous record of 8,720 runs, adding another remarkable achievement to his illustrious international career.

How did New Zealand manage only 185 runs?

Earlier, New Zealand struggled against India's bowling attack and were dismissed for 185 in 40.2 overs after being put under pressure throughout their innings.

Opener Tim Seifert provided the hosts with a brisk start, scoring 38 off 43 deliveries, while Glenn Phillips contributed 30 from 51 balls.

Daryl Mitchell added 28 off 41 deliveries, but New Zealand failed to build substantial partnerships as India's bowlers continued to pick up wickets.

Blair Tickner provided some late resistance with an entertaining 34 off just 23 balls, hitting four sixes and a boundary.

Jacob Duffy remained unbeaten on 15, while Will Young and Henry Nicholls managed nine runs apiece.

Arshdeep Singh led India's bowling effort with four wickets for 70 runs in his 10 overs. Gurnoor Brar claimed three wickets, while Anshul Kamboj chipped in with two.

How did India complete the run chase?

India began their pursuit of 186 but rain interrupted proceedings with the visitors at 64-1 after 12 overs.

Following the delay, the target was revised to 143 from 32 overs under the DLS method, leaving India with a manageable task.

Kohli took charge of the chase, combining aggressive strokeplay with controlled batting to keep the required run rate comfortably within reach.

Captain Shubman Gill provided valuable support with 37 off 56 deliveries, including five boundaries.

However, India lost Rohit Sharma and Axar Patel for ducks before Shreyas Iyer contributed 15 from 13 balls, striking a four and a six.

Kohli continued to dominate the New Zealand attack before Naman Dhir, unbeaten on five, struck the winning runs to complete the five-wicket victory.

For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 49 runs in seven overs. Kyle Jamieson and Nathan Smith claimed one wicket each.