That’s some way to ring in 2026. 🎆

A high-voltage opener, momentum swings galore, a late mini-collapse, dropped chances and hearts firmly in mouths, but when it mattered most, Team India held their nerve to edge past New Zealand and take a 1-0 lead in Vadodara.

Here’s how a thriller unfolded 👇

Bowlers set the tone

A strong 117-run opening stand gave the Kiwis early control, threatening to bat India out of the contest. But just when things looked to drift, the Indian pacers pulled it back, breaking the rhythm and dragging the game back into balance.

Once the seamers applied the brakes, the spinners took charge. Tight lines, clever changes of pace and relentless pressure ensured the runs never flowed freely again.

Despite Daryl Mitchell standing tall as the top scorer, New Zealand were kept in check and closed on 300/8.

Strong start, steady build

आपला RO got India rolling in trademark fashion with a brisk 26, setting the tempo early. 💥

Partnerships followed as Gill, Kohli and Iyer stitched together a solid platform, rotating strike and picking boundaries at the right moments. Kohli completed 28k runs in the process.

Another knock. Another milestone 🔓 pic.twitter.com/2cKDWHM7fx

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) January 11, 2026

At 234/2, India looked firmly in control. And then…

Oh no. Is that a twist?

Enter chaos. 🤯

Kyle Jamieson flipped the script with a devastating burst, three wickets in seven balls. Kohli and Iyer were dismissed in quick succession, and suddenly the calm chase turned nervy.

From cruising to 242/5, the pressure was right back on.

Harshit Rana’s handy cameo nudged India closer, but his dismissal meant the equation read 22 off 22, with all eyes on the middle.

KALM RAHUL™ takes over

Cool head. Clear plan. Ice in the veins.

A KALM RAHUL soaked in the moment and shut out the noise. A boundary. Another one. And then the release shot. 4️⃣ 4️⃣ 6️⃣.

Game. Set. Done. 😮‍💨

India crossed the line, held their nerve when it mattered most, and sealed a hard-fought win to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.

Brief Scores: New Zealand 300/8 (Dary Mitchell 84, Mohd. Siraj 2/40) lost to India 306/6 (Virat Kohli 93, Kyle Jamieson 4/41) by 4 wickets.