IND vs NZ 1st ODI: Mitchell, Openers Shine as New Zealand Post 300/8 in Vadodara

IND vs NZ: New Zealand posted a competitive total of 300 for 8 in the first ODI against India at the Kotambi Stadium on Sunday (January 11), setting the hosts a target of 301.

Daryl Mitchell top-scored with a fluent 84, while openers Henry Nicholls and Devon Conway struck half-centuries to lay a solid foundation. India's bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana, chipped in with regular wickets in the middle overs to check the scoring rate.

Put in to bat by Indian captain Shubman Gill, New Zealand began strongly with a 117-run opening stand. Devon Conway (56 off 67 balls) and Henry Nicholls (62 off 69 balls) negotiated the early movement and capitalized on the batting-friendly conditions. Conway struck six boundaries and a six, while Nicholls anchored

the innings with eight fours. The partnership was broken in the 22nd over when Harshit Rana dismissed Nicholls, followed shortly by Conway's wicket, triggering a mini-collapse.

Daryl Mitchell then took charge of the innings, stabilizing the middle order with a counter-attacking knock. He scored 84 off 71 deliveries, hitting five fours and three sixes, to keep the scoreboard ticking despite wickets falling at the other end. Mitchell formed crucial partnerships with the lower-middle order, ensuring New Zealand approached the 300-run mark. He was eventually dismissed by Prasidh Krishna in the 48th over.

For India, the bowling unit staged a comeback after the century opening stand. Mohammed Siraj was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 2 for 40. Harshit Rana (2/65) and Prasidh Krishna (2/58) also claimed two wickets each, while spinner Kuldeep Yadav (1/52) provided a key breakthrough. The Indian fielders supported the bowlers well, effecting a run-out to dismiss Michael Bracewell.

The match marks the debut of the Kotambi Stadium as an international venue. New Zealand handed a debut to Kristian Clarke, who remained unbeaten on 22 off 16 balls, helping push the total to exactly 300 in the final over.

Brief Scores: New Zealand: 300/8 in 50 overs (Daryl Mitchell 84, Henry Nicholls 62, Devon Conway 56; Mohammed Siraj 2/40, Prasidh Krishna 2/58, Harshit Rana 2/65) vs India.