Early series lead for Kiwis despite Kohli ton
Batsman Virat Kohli's outstanding century proved in vain, as New Zealand trumped India by 24 runs in Sunday's first ODI at McLean Park in Napier.
Batsman Virat Kohli's outstanding century proved in vain, as New Zealand trumped India by 24 runs in an entertaining series opener at McLean Park in Napier.
The Indians will slip from the helm of the helm of the International Cricket Council's ODI rankings if defeated in this five-match affair, and Sunday's result did not bode well.
The Black Caps impressive final total of 292 for seven was built on the back of superb half-centuries from the talented Kane Williamson, former captain Ross Taylor and all-rounder Corey Anderson.
Fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan led the charge with the ball, clinching a telling four-wicket haul to restrict the visitors to an insufficient 268 all out in 48.4 overs – sealing an early series lead ahead of the second fixture at in Hamilton on Wednesday.
Kohli's great stretch of form continued with the 18th century of a prolific career. Surpassing West Indian Desmond Haynes, Sri Lankan Tillakaratne Dilshan and South African Jacques Kallis, the Indian drew level with Australian Mark Waugh in ODI cricket's list of most tons accrued.
McClenaghan and fellow seamer Mohammed Shami were the pick of the bowlers throughout the intriguing fixture, with the latter eventually striking at important junctures to edge the Black Caps ahead.
Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Kohil's 95-run alliance in one delivery more than 14 overs threatened to take the contest away from the Kiwis, before left-armer McClenaghan removed the pair – and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja – amid an instrumental return spell.
The tourists' victory came at a cost, though, with young fast bowler Adam Milne sustaining a side strain – and likely to be ruled out of the remainder of the tour. The 23-year-old Anderson, meanwhile, was named Man of the Match – thanks to a quickfire 68 not out and figures of two for 51 in 10 overs.
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