Following their T20i series defeat, New Zealand started their ODI campaign on a high note with a win at Seddon Park. Despite a massive total of 347 runs posted by India—driven primarily by KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer—the home side managed to pull off the chase, winning by 4 wickets behind a century from Ross Taylor and a strong effort from Henry Nicholls.
New Zealand from the loss in the T20i series began their ODI series with a win at Seddon Park, New Zealand. India batted 347 runs first exclusively earned by KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer but the New Zealand team with Ross Taylor’s century and Henry Nicholls won their 1st ODI run chase with 4 wickets difference against the host.
The momentum shifted toward the Kiwis once the Indian captain fell, allowing their bowlers to tighten the grip on the game. While India's bowlers desperately tried to stop Ross Taylor from reaching his hundred, he stayed resolute. On the other side, Mohammed Shami, Shardul Thakur, and Kuldeep Yadav were the main threats, removing several key New Zealand batsmen.
Henry Nicholls laid a firm foundation for the chase with 78 runs from 82 balls, and Tom Latham accelerated the process with a brisk 69 off 48. The New Zealand batters took advantage of Shardul Thakur, hitting several boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking. Even though India managed to dismiss Colin de Grandhomme, Tom Blundell, and James Neesham in impressive fashion, it only served to make the remaining Kiwi batters more focused.
The Indian bowlers struggled to contain the Kiwis' technical skill, especially as Ross Taylor seemed to have a solution for every delivery. While the match saw Shreyas Iyer score his maiden century, it also marked one of New Zealand's most significant successful chases. The two teams are set to face off again in the second ODI on February 8, 2020, at Auckland's Eden Park.