IND vs NZ: Arshdeep Singh made his mark in the first ODI against New Zealand by joining two legendary Indian fast bowlers, Javagal Srinath and Mohammed Shami, in an exclusive record list.
The left-arm pacer returned impressive figures of 4/70 in 10 overs at Eden Park in Auckland, becoming only the third Indian fast bowler to claim a four-wicket haul on New Zealand soil.
His performance ranks as the fourth-best bowling effort by an Indian pacer in New Zealand.
Srinath holds the top two positions with figures of 4/23 in Auckland in 2003 and 4/52 in Napier in 1995.
Shami occupies the third spot with his 4/55 performance in Napier in 2014.
Arshdeep was also just one wicket away from joining Anil Kumble in another special record.
Kumble remains the only Indian bowler to have taken a five-wicket haul in New Zealand, having claimed 5/33 in Wellington in 1994.
Arshdeep Singh misses out on second ODI five-wicket haul
Arshdeep had an opportunity to register his second five-wicket haul in ODI cricket but finished with four wickets against New Zealand.
The Indian pacer has enjoyed a productive year in the 50-over format. According to the supplied figures, he has picked up 12 wickets in five ODIs at an average of 23.08 and an economy rate of 6.08. His best bowling figures this year stand at 6/70.
His performance against New Zealand further highlighted his ability to exploit conditions that offer movement and assistance to fast bowlers.
Arshdeep Singh enjoys bowling in New Zealand conditions
Speaking after the innings, Arshdeep said he enjoyed bowling in New Zealand because of the assistance available from the pitch and weather conditions.
He also pointed out that the wind helped the bowlers, making the conditions more favourable for fast bowling.
‘Loving the weather here and there is good purchase off the surface. After coming from the subcontinent, when you get some life in the wickets, it’s always a pleasure to bowl here. And yeah, the wind is helping as well,’ he said.
The pacer also explained how India used the short-ball strategy to put pressure on New Zealand’s batters.
‘I felt like there was something in the wicket, so we were just trying to hit the seam hard and get some purchase off the surface. They were trying some shots against that length, so we got the wickets,’ Arshdeep added.
Arshdeep Singh jokes about missing 5th wicket
Despite taking four wickets, Arshdeep was left searching for one more scalp to complete a 5-wicket haul. When asked about his favourite wicket from the innings, the pacer came up with a humorous response.
‘My favourite one would have been the 5th one, which I didn’t get. So I am still searching for one,’ he said. The comment reflected his disappointment at narrowly missing out on another five-wicket performance in ODI cricket.
Why did Arshdeep Singh celebrate with a dance after dismissing Kyle Jamieson?
Arshdeep’s performance also featured a memorable dance celebration after he dismissed New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson.
When asked about the celebration, the Indian pacer revealed that it was dedicated to his girlfriend, actor-model Samreen Kaur.
‘That is for my girlfriend. We do those dance steps when we’re out walking or something like that. Whenever the mood is a little low, we cheer each other up with that celebration. So this was for her,’ he explained. The celebration added a personal touch to an impressive bowling performance in Auckland.
India bowl out New Zealand for 185 in first ODI
India’s bowlers produced an impressive collective performance to dismiss New Zealand for 185 in the opening match of the ODI series at Eden Park.
Arshdeep led the attack with four wickets, while Gurnoor Brar contributed three wickets for 44 runs in 9.2 overs.
Anshul Kamboj also played his part, picking up two wickets for 22 runs in his 10 overs. New Zealand struggled to build substantial partnerships throughout their innings. Tim Seifert top-scored with 38 off 43 balls, while Glenn Phillips contributed 30 off 51 deliveries.
Blair Tickner provided some late resistance with a quick 34 off 23 balls, but the hosts were eventually bowled out for 185.
Arshdeep’s 4-wicket haul and the supporting performances from India’s other bowlers ensured that New Zealand failed to post a challenging total.