Kohli Cover Drive Helps India Chase Down 186
Virat Kohli's cover drive off Blair Tickner in the 10th over helped India move toward victory over New Zealand in the opening ODI.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Australia and New Zealand
India chased 186 to win the opening one-day international against New Zealand, after New Zealand were bowled out for 185 in 40.2 overs. Virat Kohli's cover drive off Blair Tickner in the 10th over was among the highlights of the chase.
Why it matters
The innings extended Kohli's record in New Zealand, where he had scored 596 ODI runs before this series. The result gives India an early advantage in the series.
Kohli had 596 ODI runs from 13 innings in New Zealand at an average of 49.66 and a strike rate of 91.41 before this series. He passed 600 runs in New Zealand during this chase, though the final result was not recorded in the extraction.
The players
Virat Kohli
Indian batter widely regarded as one of the most prolific run-scorers in one-day international cricket, who became the first batter to 13,000 ODI runs at No. 3 during this chase.
Blair Tickner
New Zealand fast bowler who bowled the opening over of India's chase, conceding the cover drive from Kohli.
The details
Kohli hit the cover drive on the up, with a high elbow, through the gap between mid-off and extra cover, off the fifth ball of Tickner's opening over, which was short of a length outside off stump. Rain arrived at 64 for 1 in 12 overs, with Kohli on 29 off 27 balls.
Timeline
November 4, 2026: The opening ODI was played in Auckland, with India's chase of 186 taking place that day.
January 19, 2014: Kohli scored 123 off 111 balls in Napier, a previous New Zealand innings.
Season Trajectory
Kohli's Napier century of 123 off 111 balls in January 2014 remains a benchmark in his New Zealand record, and this chase adds to that history. The opening result gives India an early advantage in the series against New Zealand.
Travelers planning a trip to New Zealand during the cricket season should note that the series is taking place in Auckland, Hamilton and Napier. Booking accommodation near these venues in advance can help avoid higher prices during match weeks.
The takeaway
Kohli's innings shows how a single shot can set the tone of a chase, and travelers following the series can use match schedules to plan visits to New Zealand venues. Checking fixture dates before booking flights and hotels helps travelers keep costs manageable.
Further reading
Explore more on Australia and New Zealand for travel context on the region where this series is being played.
