India pacer Arshdeep Singh produced another important breakthrough during the first ODI against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland, on Wednesday, November 4. The left-arm seamer celebrated animatedly after dismissing Henry Nicholls for just nine runs, claiming his second wicket inside the powerplay.
The dismissal came on the third delivery of the ninth over. Arshdeep delivered a back-of-a-length ball that Nicholls attempted to pull but could only hit straight towards Naman Dhir at mid-wicket. The Indian fielder made no mistake, completing the catch and leaving the Kiwi batter disappointed.
WATCH – Arshdeep Singh Gives India An Early Breakthrough, Dismisses Will Young In Auckland ODI
Nicholls scored nine runs off 11 deliveries, including two boundaries. His departure reduced New Zealand to 40/2 after 8.3 overs, putting the hosts under further pressure.
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Earlier, Indian captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bowl first. India also made notable selection calls, leaving out experienced pacer Mohammed Siraj and wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. New Zealand opener Tim Seifert received an early reprieve when Naman Dhir dropped him at mid-wicket off Auqib Nabi’s bowling in the fourth over. Seifert was batting on seven at the time.
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However, Arshdeep ensured India did not have to wait long for their first breakthrough. He dismissed Will Young for nine in the fifth over, with Shreyas Iyer completing a catch at square leg. The left-arm pacer then removed Nicholls to strengthen India’s position.
At the end of the first 10 overs, New Zealand were 45/2, with Seifert unbeaten on 23 off 31 balls and Daryl Mitchell on four off seven deliveries. India entered the ODI series with confidence after securing a 3-2 victory in the T20I leg, extending their winning run in the format on New Zealand soil.
