Kohli's birthday 74 sinks New Zealand as Gill leads India to ODI win

Virat Kohli struck 74 runs off 51 balls on Wednesday, the day before his 38th birthday, to secure a five-wicket victory for India over New Zealand in Auckland. The match at Eden Park required a target of 143 under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method after rain interrupted the chase.

India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to bowl. New Zealand, which had scored 259 for seven in the fourth T20 match just five days earlier, was dismissed for 185 in 40.2 overs. Arshdeep Singh took four wickets for 70 runs, while Gurnoor Brar claimed three wickets for 44 runs. The pair dismantled the New Zealand top order with short-pitched bowling.

Anshul Kamboj was named man of the match after taking two wickets and conceding only 22 runs in 10 overs. This was his second one-day international. Kohli contributed to the bowling attack with a diving catch at slips. He removed all-rounder Nathan Smith for one run off a delivery from Kamboj.

Gill described the team effort as very good, noting that the bowling was a key factor. He called the performances of Kamboj and Brar magnificent to watch. Kohli departed after being holed out to deep square leg off Jacob Duffy. He exited the ground waving his bat to the Indian supporters who dominated the crowd.

Tim Seifert opened the batting for New Zealand in place of the concussed Devon Conway. Seifert top-scored with 38 runs in his first one-day match in over 18 months. The five-match series shifts to Wellington on Saturday.