IND vs NZ - 1st ODI: Best memes from the game

Rohit Sharma-led team India registered a narrow win by 12 runs against rivals New Zealand in the first 50-over contest in Hyderabad on Wednesday, January 18. The Men in Blue have taken the lead 1-0 in the three-match ODI series.

Opting to bat first, the hosts put up a massive total of 349 runs in their stipulated 50 overs courtesy of a sensational double century knock (208 runs off 149 balls) by opener Shubman Gill. The 23-year-old single-handedly steered the Indian side to post the humongous total after the rest of the batting unit toppled for underwhelming scores in the contest.

With the sublime knock from the Punjab-born batter, Gill became the fastest Indian batter to ever complete 1,000 runs as he achieved the feat in mere 19 outings. 

Michael Bracewell put up tough fight in run chase

In response to the mammoth total, the visitors required someone from the side to come up with a special innings. Initially, the BlackCaps did not seem to be in the clash as they had lost more than half their side for just 131 runs in the chase. 

Just when the No.1 side in the ODIs appeared to be down and out, in came Michael Bracewell, who put up a show along with Mitchell Santner on the flat deck of Hyderabad. The southpaw duo fired unitedly which handed a massive scare to the home side as they put up a magical 162-run partnership before Siraj dismissed Santner for 57 off 45 balls. 

Despite the dismissal, Bracewell continued his splendid innings and got his side close to the total. However, Shardul Thakur dismissed him in the final over for 140 runs and wrapped up the contest as the hosts won the fixture by 12 runs. Mohammed Siraj returned sensational figures of 4/46 in his 10 overs as he continues his fine form with the ball.

As India take the lead 1-0, the visitors will be on the lookout to obtain a result in their favour to level the series when they lock horns on January 21 in Raipur. 

Here are the best memes from the game: