Sun Jan 11 09:43:27 UTC 2026: ### India Struggles Against New Zealand in Opening ODI
The Story:
In the first ODI between India and New Zealand, held in Vadodara on Sunday, January 11, 2026, the New Zealand opening partnership of Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls posed a significant challenge to the Indian bowling attack. The duo achieved a fifty-run partnership, a notable feat considering India’s strong ODI record. India, aiming to leverage early conditions, opted for a bowling-heavy strategy, including three spinners and three frontline seamers.
India’s pace attack featured Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana, while the batting lineup saw the return of experienced players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Despite India’s strategic choices, the New Zealand openers demonstrated resilience, putting pressure on the Indian bowlers to secure crucial wickets.
Key Points:
- The first ODI between India and New Zealand took place in Vadodara on January 11, 2026.
- Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls formed a fifty-run opening partnership for New Zealand.
- India employed a bowling-heavy strategy with three spinners and three frontline seamers.
- India’s pace attack included Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana.
- Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returned to India’s batting lineup.
Key Takeaways:
- New Zealand’s opening partnership presented an early challenge to India’s bowling strategy.
- India’s bowling-heavy approach indicates a focus on exploiting early conditions.
- The return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli suggests an emphasis on strengthening the batting lineup.
- The dropped catch of Devon Conway is potentially costly for India.
- India’s strategy needs adjustments to counter New Zealand’s strong start.
First Piper 