India Beats New Zealand by Five Wickets
Anshul Kamboj's 2-22 spell helped India dismiss New Zealand for 185 in the first ODI at Eden Park.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Motorsports
India bowled New Zealand out for 185 at Eden Park, then chased down a rain-revised target of 143 in 22.4 overs to win the first ODI by five wickets. India leads the five-match series 1-0.
Why it matters
The result gives India an early advantage in the five-match series against New Zealand. The second ODI is scheduled in Wellington on Saturday, November 7.
Kamboj's 2-22 from 10 overs, including two maidens, came while conceding only 22 runs, and he dismissed Mitchell Santner and Nathan Smith. India's 143-run chase was completed in 22.4 overs, a rate that left the match decided with five wickets to spare.
The players
Anshul Kamboj
Indian bowler who took 2-22 in 10 overs and was named player of the match in the first ODI.
Mitchell Santner
New Zealand all-rounder who was dismissed by Kamboj during the first ODI.
The details
Anshul Kamboj was named player of the match after repeatedly using his wobble-seam delivery and focusing on consistent length and line rather than adjusting to pitch conditions. India then reached the rain-revised target of 143 in 22.4 overs to secure the win.
Timeline
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: India wins the first ODI at Eden Park by five wickets.
Saturday, November 7, 2026: Second ODI scheduled in Wellington.
Season Trajectory
India's 1-0 lead in the five-match ODI series against New Zealand gives the visiting side early momentum in a bilateral contest that runs through Wellington and beyond. New Zealand now face pressure to level the series in the second match, which is scheduled for Saturday.
India's win gives them a 1-0 lead, meaning New Zealand must win the second match in Wellington on Saturday to keep the series alive. Fantasy players tracking Kamboj should note his 2-22 spell and his two dismissals of Santner and Smith.
The takeaway
Early series leads can shift quickly in limited-overs cricket, so the second ODI in Wellington will show whether New Zealand can respond. Watching bowling spells like Kamboj's in the first match offers a clear view of how pitch and length affected both sides.
What happens next
The second ODI between India and New Zealand is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, in Wellington.
Further reading
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