New Zealand put up a formidable batting display to post a challenging total of 300 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 50 overs against India in the first One Day International at the Reliance Stadium in Vadodara on Wednesday. The visitors' innings was built on solid half-centuries from their middle-order batters, setting the stage for a gripping contest.
Solid Platform Laid by Top Order
After being put into bat by Indian captain Rohit Sharma, the Kiwi openers started cautiously on a pitch that offered some initial assistance to the seamers. The Indian pace attack, led by Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, managed to keep the scoring in check during the first powerplay. However, the experienced duo of Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell steadied the ship after the early departure of Finn Allen.
Conway, the left-handed opener, played a characteristically fluent innings, finding gaps with ease and rotating the strike. He was well supported by Mitchell, who played the anchor role initially before opening up. Their partnership took the sting out of the Indian bowling attack and laid a strong foundation for a late assault.
Mitchell and Conway Forge Crucial Partnership
The core of the New Zealand innings was the 102-run partnership for the third wicket between Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway. Mitchell, in particular, shifted gears beautifully after reaching his fifty. He targeted the Indian spinners, using his feet adeptly against Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar to hit boundaries down the ground and over mid-wicket.
Conway reached a well-compiled 65 off 102 deliveries before falling to Shardul Thakur, who was the pick of the Indian bowlers. Mitchell continued his aggressive intent, scoring a brisk 66 off 73 balls, which included 6 fours and 2 sixes, before being dismissed by Siraj. Their efforts ensured New Zealand were in a strong position at the halfway stage of their innings.
Late Flourish from Nicholls and Latham
Following the dismissals of the set batters, the New Zealand innings could have lost momentum. However, captain Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls ensured the team finished with a flourish. Nicholls played a vital cameo, scoring a run-a-ball 30, while Latham provided the final push with an unbeaten 36 from just 30 deliveries.
The death overs saw some powerful hitting from the Kiwi lower order, with Latham finding the boundary regularly. This late surge pushed the total beyond the 290-mark and eventually to the psychological barrier of 300, giving their bowlers a solid total to defend.
For India, Shardul Thakur was the most successful bowler, claiming 3 wickets for 72 runs in his 10 overs. Mohammed Siraj bowled with good pace and picked up 2 wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya chipped in with one wicket each. The Indian fielding had its moments but also conceded some extra runs through misfields.
The stage is now set for India's chase of 301 runs. The home team will rely on its powerful top order, featuring Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, to lay a strong foundation. New Zealand's total makes this a well-balanced contest, promising an exciting second half to the opening match of the three-ODI series in Vadodara.
