IANS

New Delhi, Jul 25: India defeated New Zealand by seven wickets in a 50-over cricket match in the Emerging Players tournament in Brisbane, Friday.

According to information received here, Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 115 while opener Ajinkya Rahane scored a classy 95 as India made 230 for three, chasing a target of 229, in 41.3 overs.

Earlier, India captain Subramanian Badrinath's decision to bowl first was spot on as left-arm pacer Pradeep Sangwan (5/40) and Abhishek Nayar (2/39) restricted New Zealand to 228 for nine in 50 overs at the Wep Harris Oval in University of Queensland.

New Zealand were always in trouble from the start after they lost openers Jeet Raval (2) and Martin Guptil (3) quickly and it was gritty 122 from Peter Fulton that helped them put up a decent score of 228 for nine in 50 overs. Fulton was assisted by Kane Williamson, who scored 40 off 60 deliveries.

While chasing the target, India were also in a spot of bother after opener Murali Vijay (2) and Badrinath went back to the pavilion cheaply. But Kohli and Rahane played responsibly to help India home safely.

Brief scores: New Zealand 228 for nine in 50 overs (Peter Fulton 122, Kane Williamson 40; Pradeep Sangwan 5/40, Abhishek Nayar 2/39). India 230 for three in 41.3 overs (Virat Kohli 122 not out, Ajinkya Rahane 95).