New Zealand were put to bat first after India won the toss and chose to bowl in the series-opener in Vadodara on January 11. Kiwis started brilliantly with Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls putting up a century stand, and both subsequently scoring their respective half-centuries.

Though Kiwis started nicely, the brakes were applied the Indian bowlers as they kept picking wickets at regular intervals after breaking the opening stand. Daryl Mitchell was the top scorer for New Zealand, scoring 84 off 71 deliveries, taking the Kiwis to a total of 300/8.

India started the chase on a strong note with Rohit clearing the rope twice before falling to Kyle Jamiesson. The ship was then steadied by Kohli and Gill. The latter fell after scoring his half-century but Kohli continued in his trademark ODI template, bringing up his fifth consecutive 50-plus score in ODIs. Kohli fell seven short of his century, departing for 93 off 91. Iyer, on his comeback, contributed with 49. Eventually, Harshit Rana and Washington Sundar got India home, chasing down 300 as India won the match by four wickets with one over to spare.

Records tumbled with Kohli getting past 28000 runs in international cricket in record time, becoming only the third to do so after Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkar. Kohli also surpassed Sangakkara's run tally in international cricket and became the second-highest run getter of all time across formats.

Meanwhile, the Baroda Cricket Association presented Kohli and Rohit with bouquets during the mid-innings break, honoring them.