Indian Team. (Photo Source: BCCI)
India sealed a five-wicket victory in the first ODI of the five-match series against New Zealand on Wednesday, November 4, at Eden Park in Auckland.
Electing to bowl first after a short rain delay, Shubman Gill’s side were in complete control of the clash with the ball, picking up wickets at regular intervals and not allowing the home side to settle. The Black Caps were bundled out for just 185 runs. Arshdeep Singh was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4 for 70, with Gurnoor Brar and Anshul Kamboj taking three and two wickets apiece. Blair Tickner offered resistance with some mighty blows at number 11, to take the hosts to their total.
India’s innings was dented early, with Kyle Jamieson snagging Rohit Sharma for a duck in the first over of the innings. Virat Kohli joined Gill as the pair began constructing the Indian innings. Despite two rain delays and a reduced target of 143 in 32 overs, the pair set the base for India’s innings with a 113-run stand. Kohli played wrecker-in-chief, scoring a brilliant 71 off 54 balls. Despite a late flurry of wickets, India raced home with 9.2 overs to spare.
Top batting performance of the match: Virat Kohli
India’s talisman was in fine form and put on a display for the ages in front of the Auckland faithful. Coming to bat in the second over, Kohli took his time to get his eye in before unleashing a flurry of runs. Even the pauses in play could not deter the batting maverick, who hit 13 fours and a six in his innings.
Top bowling performance of the match: Anshul Kamboj
Despite Arshdeep Singh having taken four wickets, Anshul Kamboj was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 2 for 22 from his ten overs. While Arshdeep created opportunities from his end, Kamboj played the role of the metronome, making it difficult for the Kiwi batters to score freely. He was rewarded with the late wickets of Mitchell Santner and Nathan Smith, the latter of whom was dismissed with a sharp catch from Kohli at second slip.
Who won the Player of the Match?
Anshul Kamboj was named Player of the Match for his economical bowling spell, helping keep the New Zealand batters in check.
When’s the next match?
The second ODI of the series will be played on Saturday, November 7, at the Wellington Regional Stadium. India have picked up a 1-0 lead in the series, and with four more matches left to play, New Zealand would not be as fazed with the early slip-up.
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