Kohli leads India to five-wicket victory over New Zealand

Virat Kohli produced an outstanding performance to guide India to a five-wicket victory over New Zealand in the opening match of their five-game ODI series in Auckland on Wednesday.

Kohli scored 74 from 51 deliveries, registering his 80th half-century in one-day internationals. His innings proved decisive as India chased a revised target of 143 under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method following repeated rain interruptions.

India's bowlers had earlier restricted New Zealand to 185 all out in 40.2 overs. Arshdeep Singh led the attack with four wickets for 70 runs, while Gurnoor Brar claimed three. Anshul Kamboj also impressed with figures of 2-22 from his 10 overs and was named Player of the Match.

Kohli also produced one of the highlights in the field, taking a spectacular diving catch to dismiss Nathan Smith off Kamboj's bowling. The experienced batter eventually departed after scoring 74, but India had already taken control of the chase.

The result gives India a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. The second ODI is scheduled to take place in Wellington on Saturday.