IND v New Zealand [WATCH]: Shreyas Iyer sends Michael Bracewell packing with a rocket throw during Vadodara ODI

IndiaCommissioning standards have reached another high in the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara on January 11. In a phase where every race counted, Shreyas Iyer produced a moment of pure brilliance in the depths. His keen awareness and athletic execution turned the momentum in India’s favor. The exhaustion of Michael Bracewell stood out as one of the defining moments of the visitors’ round.

IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Shreyas Iyer’s sharp direct hit to remove Michael Bracewell swings the momentum towards India

The decisive moment took place in the 43rd, overturned by Harshit Ranawith New Zealand looking to accelerate at the death. Rana hit a Yorker length delivery which Daryl Mitchell could only go for a long period, triggering a risky second set. Bracewell responded immediately, knowing the importance of maximizing every opportunity in the finals. Iyer, positioned near the border, instantly anticipated the danger and charged without hesitation. His recovery was crisp despite the pace of the ball, and in one fluid movement he unleashed a powerful throw aimed straight at the non-striker’s side.

The delivery was flat, fast and aimed straight at the stumps, leaving Bracewell no room for error. Not even a dive could save the New Zealand captain, who fell inches from his crease. The crowd erupted as the replay confirmed what the naked eye had already seen, a perfect direct hit under pressure. It’s the kind of dismissal that lifts the entire field unit, injecting new energy into the team. India immediately sensed the change, tightening the screw in the remaining overs. This simple act of genius not only removed a key batter but also sent a clear message about India’s intentions on the field.

Here is the video:

Level of commitment: @ShreyasIyer15 🔥

Back from injury and giving his 💯 every moment on the pitch! 👏#INDvNZ1st ODI LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/WbMZTXL0By pic.twitter.com/oyFowZB4qH

– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 11, 2026

ALSO WATCH: IND vs NZ: Prasidh Krishna cleans Mitchell Hay with a jaffa in first ODI

IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Daryl Mitchell’s counterattack revives the Blackcaps after the strangulation of the Indian bowlers

The first ODI in Vadodara saw New Zealand post a very competitive 300/8 in their 50 overs, recovering brilliantly after India threatened to derail their innings at mid-off. Choosing to play first at the brand new Kotambi Stadium, India initially struggled to find a breakthrough as Devon Conway And Henry Nicholls ran the new ball with relative ease.

The Kiwi openers put together an impressive 117-run stand, with both batters hitting well-constructed half-centuries that laid a solid foundation for a massive total. However, Rana’s introduction triggered a collapse, with the young pacer dismissing both openers in quick succession to bring India back into the contest. India’s spin twins, Kuldeep Yadav And Ravindra Jadejathen tightened the screws, drying up the boundaries and causing a middle-order swing that saw New Zealand move from a position of strength to 237/6.

While momentum seemed to favor the hosts, Daryl Mitchell took charge of the situation with a blistering counter-attack of 84 runs off just 71 deliveries. Mitchell’s innings was a masterclass in modern ODI batting as he frequently used his feet on the spinners and hit two huge sixes to keep the scoreboard at a healthy pace. Even though partners like Bracewell and Glenn Phillips fell at the other end, Mitchell remained the anchor, ensuring the visitors crossed the 250-run mark.

A flurry of wickets in the death by Mohammed Siraj And Prasidh Krishna briefly gave India hope of keeping the target below 280, but some late fireworks from the debutant Christian Clarke And Kyle Jamieson proved vital. In the final, New Zealand managed 14 runs to reach exactly 300, a total not often chased during this stadium’s historic debut. For India, the pace trio of Rana, Siraj and Krishna finished with two wickets each, but they will rue a few costly overs at the very end.

ALSO WATCH: IND vs NZ – Harshit Rana deceives Henry Nicholls with superb slower ball in 1st ODI