The much-awaited first ODI of the five-match series between New Zealand and India got underway at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday, November 4, where
India's talisman Virat Kohli announced himself with a stunning one-handed catch at second slip to dismiss Kiwi all-rounder Nathan Smith.
Kohli took the catch in the 29th over of the game, off Anshul Kamboj's bowling. Smith pushed forward at a length ball, which took an edge and breezed low towards second slip. The ball carried towards Kohli, who stuck his right hand out and completed the catch with a dive to maintain his balance. The moment saw Kohli also celebrate with the aggression and intensity associated with him.
It's the King's birthday weekend, and we get the presents! 👑 🎁
Watch the HERO VIDA India Tour of New Zealand 1st ODI, LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels, Sony LIV & Sony Vizha.#SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV #SonyVizha #NZvIND | [Virat Kohli] pic.twitter.com/LffbctfFwm— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) November 4, 2026
Kohli's spectacular effort left the Kiwis reeling at 115 for 7 in 28.3 overs. The Indian bowlers put in a stellar shift with the ball, after captain Shubman Gill elected to field first after rain had impacted the early hours of the clash. India never allowed the hosts to settle into the game, taking wickets at key moments in the innings and making effective use of the hard-length deliveries. Arshdeep Singh set the tone with two early wickets, before Gurnoor Brar and Anshul Kamboj got in on the act with scalps of their own. Sandwiched in between was also a stunning acrobatic run-out from Rohit Sharma.
This clash, and the series on a whole, has been looked at with much anticipation, due to the chance to see Kohli and Rohit, the two major stalwarts in Indian colours, once more. Kohli's catch was his first significant involvement in the clash, pulled off with breathtaking agility and precision often associated with him in the field.
On the batting front, Kohli comes into this series on the back of having crossed the 15,000-run mark in the recently concluded series against the West Indies, where he scored a stunning unbeaten 139 in the first game in Thiruvananthapuram.
