IND vs NZ 1st ODI: The three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand started in a very exciting manner in Vadodara. In the match that lasted till the 49th over, Team India defeated New Zealand by 4 wickets and took a 1-0 lead in the series. The biggest hero of this victory was Virat Kohli, who was adjudged Player of the Match for his brilliant innings of 93 runs. However, as memorable as this innings was, perhaps it was also equally “incomplete”—as Kohli fell just 7 runs short of a century and just 1 run short of a historic record.

Under the pressure of run chase, Virat Kohli once again showed his class and experience. He rotated the strike, hit big shots at the right time and tilted the match in India’s favour. But unfortunately, his century could not be completed as he was dismissed in the 40th over. While fans were expecting another Kohli century, history was also just one step away.

‘Master Blaster’ record: distance of just 1 run

In this match, Virat Kohli had a golden opportunity to break another big record. The record of the Indian batsman scoring the most runs against New Zealand in ODI cricket is still in the name of Sachin Tendulkar.

Sachin Tendulkar had scored 1750 runs in 42 ODI matches against the Kiwis between 1990 and 2009, which included 5 centuries and 8 half-centuries.

Virat Kohli has come very close to this record. In the 33 ODI matches played so far against New Zealand, Kohli has scored 1657 runs, which includes 6 centuries and 9 half-centuries. That means, to leave Sachin behind, he needed a total of 94 runs, and before the Vadodara ODI, he was just 94 runs away from this figure. After scoring 93 runs in this match, he remained just 1 run behind.

Form, finish and fans’ expectations

Looking at the current form, it would not be wrong to say that it is only a matter of time for Kohli to break this record. The way he played his innings under pressure in Vadodara, it is clear that he is in excellent touch. Not being able to score a century was definitely a matter of disappointment, but helping the team win – this was the biggest success of Kohli’s innings.

Now eyes on Rajkot

Now all eyes are on the second match of the series, which will be played in Rajkot on Wednesday (January 14, 2026). Here, Virat Kohli will not only have the opportunity to break this historic record of Sachin Tendulkar, but will also have the opportunity to make this series more special with a memorable century in his current form.

The Vadodara match may have been incomplete in statistics, but this match has added another strong chapter to the story of Kohli’s career – where victory, responsibility and record – all three came very close but went on different paths.

IND vs NZ ODI series schedule