India’s Anshul Kamboj attributed his disciplined bowling and the effective use of the wobble seam for his match-winning performance in the first One Day International (ODI) against New Zealand at Eden Park on Wednesday.
Kamboj delivered a controlled 10-over spell, taking 2 wickets for 22 runs, helping India restrict New Zealand to 185 before achieving a five-wicket victory. Speaking at the post-match press conference, the Haryana pacer said his focus remained on maintaining consistent line and length rather than adjusting to pitch behaviour.
“I think the key was just consistent length and line, not thinking about how the wicket is behaving, just the basic plan, bowling on right lines and right areas,” Kamboj said.
He also highlighted the wobble seam delivery as a decisive factor in his success. “I think the wobble seam ball was working very well, so I was using that again and again,” he added.
Regarding his preparation for the series, Kamboj commented: “Just working on lengths and good lines, and just looking at the strengths and weaknesses of the batsmen and just working on that.” He further explained that New Zealand conditions did not require major adjustments to his bowling length because he naturally obtains good bounce from the surface. “No, it doesn’t matter, because I also get a good amount of bounce off the wicket as well. So it’s like it’s only about the length which I am bowling, just focusing on that,” he said.
When asked about assessing conditions at different venues, Kamboj emphasised the importance of understanding the surface to identify the most effective bowling length. “You just have to look at the wicket and see what is happening on the wicket, what is the best ball to bowl, what is the right length to bowl, just focus on that,” he stated.
Kamboj was a key contributor in India’s bowling attack, which successfully dismissed New Zealand for 185. Arshdeep Singh led with four wickets, Gurnoor Brar took three, and Kamboj claimed two wickets, including dismissing New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner for four and Nathan Smith for one, hindering New Zealand’s recovery.
In response, India chased a rain-revised target of 143 in 32 overs to win by five wickets. Virat Kohli top-scored with 74 runs off 51 balls, while captain Shubman Gill contributed 56 off 37 deliveries.
The second ODI of the five-match series is scheduled to take place in Wellington on Saturday.