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One calm finisher. One tense chase. India start 2026 with a statement win.

India began their 2026 ODI series against New Zealand with a thrilling 4-wicket win in Vadodara on January 11, thanks to KL Rahul’s ice-cool finish under pressure. Chasing 301, India crossed the line in the final over, leaving fans on the edge of their seats at Kotambi Stadium.

New Zealand Set a Strong Target

Batting first, New Zealand posted 300/8 in 50 overs, built around a solid top-order performance.
Daryl Mitchell anchored the innings with a classy 84, while Henry Nicholls (62) and Devon Conway (56) stitched together a crucial 117-run opening stand.

India pulled things back smartly in the middle and death overs.
Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna picked up two wickets each, preventing New Zealand from accelerating beyond 320 despite a promising platform.

KL Rahul

India’s Chase: Smooth Start, Sudden Chaos

India started confidently in reply.
Shubman Gill looked fluent for his 56, while Virat Kohli played a masterclass, scoring 93 off 91 balls, controlling the chase with precision.

However, the match turned sharply after Gill’s dismissal at 157/2.
New Zealand struck back with quick wickets as Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shreyas Iyer fell in quick succession, creating real pressure in the final overs.

KL Rahul Delivers When It Matters Most

With the game hanging in the balance, KL Rahul showed why he is one of India’s most reliable finishers.
Facing debutant Kristian Clarke in the final over, Rahul sealed the match in style — 4, 4, and a towering 6 — finishing unbeaten on 29 off 21 balls as India reached 306/6 in 49 overs.

Team News & What’s Next

India missed Rishabh Pant, who was ruled out due to a nets injury, with Dhruv Jurel stepping in.
New Zealand, led by Michael Bracewell, fielded a less-than-full-strength squad but showed resilience throughout.

With this win, India take a 1–0 lead in the series.
The second ODI will be played on January 14, where New Zealand will look to bounce back against a confident Indian side aiming for early dominance.

The recently concluded India vs South Africa ODI series turned into a full-on cricket spectacle, packed with huge scores, dramatic chases, injuries, and momentum shifts. From record-breaking batting to pressure-filled finishes, the series kept fans glued till the end.

🇿🇦 South Africa’s Epic 359-Run Chase Shocks India

The highlight of the series came in the 2nd ODI at Raipur (Dec 2–3, 2025), where South Africa pulled off a sensational chase of 359 runs, winning with 4 wickets and 4 balls remaining.

India looked in full control after posting 358/5, powered by magnificent centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad. But South Africa’s deep batting lineup had other plans.

Aiden Markram’s classy century set the tone, while Matthew Breetzke (68 off 64) and Dewald Brevis kept the chase alive. The finishing touches were applied by Corbin Bosch, who stayed calm under pressure and guided the Proteas home.

Despite late strikes from Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and Kuldeep Yadav, a crucial misfield by Ravindra Jadeja shifted momentum and proved costly for India.

🩹 Injuries, Nerves & Calm Finish

South Africa suffered a setback when Tony de Zorzi retired hurt, creating brief tension with 27 runs needed off 30 balls. But Keshav Maharaj and Bosch showed composure to seal one of the most memorable chases against India.

🇮🇳 India Strikes Back to Win the Series

India bounced back strongly in the 3rd ODI at Visakhapatnam (Dec 6), sealing the series 2-1 under KL Rahul’s leadership. A balanced pitch and smart execution helped India regain control.

South Africa entered the decider with injury concerns, as Nandre Burger and de Zorzi were not fully fit, affecting their playing combination.

🏏 Test Glory Before ODI Drama

Before the ODI fireworks, South Africa had already made history by winning a Test match in India after 15 years. In Kolkata, Simon Harmer’s eight-wicket haul bowled India out for just 93, while Temba Bavuma’s unbeaten 55 strengthened his impressive captaincy record.

🚀 What This Series Means

This tour showcased South Africa’s resilience, India’s depth, and the rising intensity of international cricket as teams prepare for major global tournaments ahead. One thing is clear — India vs South Africa remains box-office cricket.