GAWAH News Desk | November 4, 2026
India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bowl first against New Zealand in the opening ODI at Eden Park, Auckland, on Wednesday. The match begins a five-game one-day series after India won the preceding T20I series 3–2.
New Zealand began batting after Gill’s decision. For the latest total, wickets, partnerships and ball-by-ball commentary, follow the official BCCI live match centre, which updates as the innings progresses.
Why did India choose to bowl?
Gill said India were happy to field first at Eden Park. A report from the toss indicated that India went with a pace-heavy combination featuring four fast bowlers. Mohammed Siraj and wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav were left out of the playing side, according to the match-day report by The Times of India.
The decision gives India’s seamers the first use of the new ball and allows the visitors to assess the target before beginning their chase. New Zealand, meanwhile, will look to build a competitive total at home and make the most of its first-innings opportunity.
Where and when is the first ODI?
- Match: New Zealand vs India, 1st ODI
- Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
- Venue: Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand
- Start time: 7:30 AM IST
- Series: India in New Zealand, five-match ODI series
- Toss: India won and elected to field
What is the context going into the ODI series?
India carry a 3–2 T20I series win into the 50-over contest. New Zealand finished the shorter-format series strongly by winning the final two matches, but India had already secured the series with victories in the first three games.
The ODI leg gives both teams a fresh contest in a different format. India’s top-order experience, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, will be central to the batting plan, while Gill leads the side in the opening part of the tour. The ICC’s match page lists the five-ODI series schedule and squad information.
Where can you follow the live score?
The BCCI’s official match centre carries the live score, scorecard, commentary and match statistics. The ICC fixture page for the first ODI provides the match listing and series information.
For context from the teams’ previous meeting, read GAWAH’s report on the fifth T20I between India and New Zealand.
Quick answers
Who won the toss in the first ODI?
India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to bowl.
Where is the match being played?
At Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.
What time did the match start in India?
7:30 AM IST on November 4, 2026.
Where is the official live score?
On the BCCI match centre linked above.
Sources
- BCCI: New Zealand vs India, 1st ODI — live match centre
- International Cricket Council: first ODI fixture
- The Times of India: toss decision and India’s pace-heavy combination
Image: Representative cricket stadium photograph by Aksh Yadav / Unsplash. It is not a photograph of the India–New Zealand match.
