Kohli in the runs as India thrash New Zealand in first ODI

Virat Kohli reached his 80th ODI half-century with a prolific 74-ball knock as India emphatically defeated New Zealand by five wickets in the rain-affected first Test in Auckland on Wednesday. The Indian captain celebrated his 38th birthday before the match, demonstrating his enduring brilliance with an aggressive innings that saw him score at a brisk pace.

Kohli was eventually dismissed for 74, caught off the bowling of Jacob Duffy at deep square leg while attempting a huge cover drive. New Zealand, who had elected to bat after losing the toss, were restricted to 185 runs in 40.2 overs, with pace spearheads Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar taking seven wickets between them to dismantle the home batters.

Fast-bowling all-rounder Anshul Kamboj shone in his second ODI appearance, claiming two crucial wickets and remaining man of the match with his scalps and spellbinding bowling. Gill praised the overall team performance, singling out Kamboj and Brar's outstanding bowling display. Tim Seifert, who took over the No.3 spot following Devon Conway's injury, opened the innings for New Zealand, scoring a cautious 38 runs in his first ODI appearance in over 18 months.

India secured a commanding lead in the five-match series, moving on to the next stage in Wellington on Saturday.