Cricket / Arshdeep Leads Pace Rampage as India Restrict New Zealand to 185 in 1st ODI

Auckland, Nov 4: India's revamped pace attack justified the team management's faith with a ruthless new-ball display, reducing New Zealand to a modest 185 in the first ODI at Eden Park.

Arshdeep Singh spearheaded the charge with four wickets, while Gurnoor Brar and Anshul Kamboj ensured the hosts never recovered from a series of early setbacks.

Having opted to bowl first, India struck early and never allowed New Zealand to settle. Arshdeep provided the breakthrough in the fifth over by dismissing Will Young for nine before removing Henry Nicholls for the same score four overs later.

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Both batters fell attempting pull shots, with Shreyas Iyer and Naman Dhir completing the catches as New Zealand slipped to 44/2.

The hosts found some relief through Tim Seifert, who counterattacked with a lively 38 off 43 deliveries. Making full use of Eden Park's short boundaries, the wicketkeeper-batter struck three fours and two sixes while disrupting India's rhythm. However, his innings ended when Gurnoor Brar induced a catch to substitute fielder Ruturaj Gaikwad at mid-on, ending a promising partnership.

Daryl Mitchell attempted to rebuild the innings with a cautious 28 from 41 balls, supported briefly by captain Tom Latham. The partnership, however, was cut short in spectacular fashion when Brar completed a stunning one-handed return catch to dismiss Latham for three.

India's fielding continued to make a difference as Mitchell was run out for 28 following sharp work from Rohit Sharma and quick glovework by KL Rahul. With wickets falling regularly, New Zealand's innings never gained sustained momentum. Kamboj then produced a disciplined spell, bowling Mitchell Santner for four before dismissing Nathan Smith, who edged to Virat Kohli at second slip. Kohli's diving catch underlined India's sharpness in the field.

Glenn Phillips tried to anchor the innings and scored 30, but lacked substantial support. Kyle Jamieson fell for one to Arshdeep, while Jacob Duffy managed only 15. Arshdeep returned to remove Phillips in the 36th over, leaving New Zealand struggling at 146/8.

Just when the total appeared destined to remain well below 180, Blair Tickner launched a late counterattack. The lower-order batter smashed 34 off only 23 balls, including four towering sixes, while Duffy added useful runs at the other end. Tickner's assault was highlighted by a 23-run over against Arshdeep as New Zealand crossed the 180-mark.

The resistance ended in the 41st over when Brar had Tickner caught behind by Rahul, sealing the innings at 185. Arshdeep finished with 4-70, Brar claimed 3-44, while Kamboj impressed with an economical 2-22 from 10 overs, a performance that played a crucial role in India's dominance.

Brief Scores: New Zealand 185/10 in 40.2 overs (Tim Seifert 38, Blair Tickner 34; Arshdeep Singh 4-70, Gurnoor Brar 3-44, Anshul Kamboj 2-22) against India.

(IANS)