Kohli hits 74 as India beat New Zealand

Virat Kohli scored 74 runs in 51 balls to lead India to a five-wicket victory over New Zealand at Eden Park on Wednesday. The win came in the first one-day international of a five-match series.

Rain interrupted the second innings, forcing the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method to be used. New Zealand had posted 185 runs in 40.2 overs. India required 143 to win after the target was revised.

Kohli reached his 80th half-century in one-day cricket during the chase. He was 37 years old at the time of the match, playing one day before his 38th birthday. He was dismissed for 74 by Jacob Duffy, who bowled him at deep square leg.

New Zealand's batting collapsed after losing the toss. Captain Shubman Gill said the bowling performance was strong. He described it as a good team effort. The pace attack did the damage against the short-pitched deliveries.

Arshdeep Singh took four wickets for 70 runs. Gurnoor Brar took three wickets for 44 runs. Together, they removed seven New Zealand batters. Anshul Kamboj was named man of the match after taking two wickets for 22 runs in 10 overs.

Kamboj's first wicket was a diving catch by Kohli at slips. Kohli removed Nathan Smith for one run with a one-handed catch above the grass. Tim Seifert replaced Devon Conway, who was concussed, and scored 38 runs. The series moves to Wellington on Saturday.