Virat Kohli smashes a pull shot for 4 to race to 35-ball fifty in NZ vs IND 2026 1st ODI [Watch]

Star India batter Virat Kohli reached his half-century in style in the first ODI against New Zealand. The veteran appears to be in sublime touch at Eden Park, Auckland, once again bringing out his best in a chase.

India bowled New Zealand out for just 185. However, due to two rain breaks, the target was finally revised to 143 from 32 overs. On the first ball of the 16th over by Blair Tickner, Virat Kohli played a majestic pull shot. It was a short delivery, and Kohli got on top of it, smashing it for a sensational boundary through deep mid-wicket to reach his half-century in style.

Watch the video of the moment below –

His brilliant knock included eight fours and a six, as he got the fifty-run mark off just 35 deliveries. It was his 80th fifty in ODIs. Kohli is among the best batters in this format when it comes to chasing, and he showed a glimpse of his class and consistency once again.

The veteran batter was expected to deliver with India looking to start the series with a win, and he ensured the Men in Blue were well on course for a comfortable victory in Auckland. He was eventually dismissed for 74 off just 51 balls with 13 fours and a six at a strike rate of 145.1.

Virat Kohli registers second-fastest fifty in away ODIs

Virat Kohli’s 35-ball fifty is his second-fastest fifty in the format while playing away from home. His fastest away fifty in ODIs came against Australia in 2016 in Canberra, where he got to the milestone off just 34 balls.

He scored a 36-ball fifty against South Africa at the Centurion in 2018, and a 38-ball fifty against Sri Lanka at Colombo in 2017. Against New Zealand, he bettered these numbers to score his second-fastest fifty in away ODIs.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli also reached another staggering milestone. He became the first batter to cross 13000 runs in ODIs while batting at number three, adding another feather to his illustrious cap. Along with 80 fifties, the veteran batter has 55 hundreds in the format. This was also his 11th fifty against New Zealand in ODIs, and his fifth against the Kiwis in New Zealand.

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Edited by Rishab Vm