India barely survived a huge scare by New Zealand in the first ODI of the three-match series which was played in Hyderabad’s, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal on January 18, 2023.
The host's captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bat and it was Shubman Gill who was the star of the Indian innings. Rohit Sharma made 34, Suryakumar Yadav made 31, and Hardik Pandya contributed 28 runs, as Shubman Gill played the anchor.
He completed his third ODI century in 87 balls and during this knock, he completed 1000 ODI runs in just 19 innings, becoming the joint second fastest with Imam Ul Haq. But he became the fastest Indian, beating Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan’s record of 24 innings.
He continued the carnage and reached his first double century, becoming the youngest to do so at 23 years and 132 days, leaving behind his teammate Ishan Kishan who was 24 years. Shubman Gill finally fell for 208 runs with 19 fours and 9 sixes, as he took India to 349/8 in 50 overs.
In reply, Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets each as New Zealand struggled at 131/6 in the 29th over. But then Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell launched a scathing counter-attack on Indian bowlers which left everyone in shock and awe.
The duo added 162 runs for the 7th wicket with Santner making 57 in 45 balls, while Bracewell hammered the bowlers to all parts of Hyderabad ground. He reached his second ODI century in just 57 balls.
With 20 runs needed off the last over, Bracewell hit Shardul Thakur for a six but was out LBW and India won the match by 12 runs. Bracewell made an ecstatic 140 in 78 balls with 12 fours and 10 sixes to his name.
For India, Mohammed Siraj picked 4/46 on his home ground, while Kuldeep Yadav (2/43) and Shardul Thakur (2/54) were the other wicket-takers.
Talking at the post-match presentation, Rohit Sharma said: “To be honest, the way he was batting and the way it came on to the bat nicely, it was clean ball-striking. We knew that if we bowled well, we would be okay unless we really slipped up with the ball. Unfortunately, that's what happened. I did say at the toss that I'd like to see us challenge ourselves, not quite the situation I expected but that's how it is.”
Rohit Sharma also talked about his opening partner Shubman Gill, who scored an amazing double-century, and Mohammed Siraj, who picked four wickets.
“He (Gill) is going really well. The form he was in, we wanted to make use of it and that's why we backed him in the SL series. Free-flowing batter and it's quite exciting to watch. Siraj has been brilliant, not just in this game but in the red-ball, T20 format and now ODIs. Really good to see what he does with the ball. Executing what he wants to do and he is very clear about his plans. Which is how it should be,” Rohit added.
The second ODI will be played on January 21 in Raipur.
(Star Sports inputs)
