India have taken a 1-0 lead in the ODI series against New Zealand as they secured a five-wicket win in the rain interrupted match in Auckland on Wednesday (November 4).
The bowlers did exceedingly well and bundled the Kiwis out for 185, and Virat Kohli then led the run chase as India won the match via DLS method.
Anshul Kamboj was named Player of the Match despite Arshdeep Singh claiming four wickets as India defeated New Zealand by five wickets (DLS method) in the first ODI. While Arshdeep finished with the best wicket tally among India’s bowlers, Kamboj’s outstanding economy rate proved crucial in restricting the hosts to 185.
Why was Anshul Kamboj named Player of the Match?
The Haryana pacer returned impressive figures of 2/22 in his 10 overs, maintaining an economy rate of just 2.20. He also bowled two maiden overs, putting sustained pressure on New Zealand’s batting line-up during the middle overs.
In comparison, Arshdeep claimed four wickets but conceded 70 runs in his 10-over spell, finishing with an economy rate of 7.00. Although his wickets helped India dismantle New Zealand’s batting order, the runs conceded made his spell considerably more expensive.
Kamboj’s contribution was particularly significant as he dismissed New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner for four and Nathan Smith for one, preventing the hosts from building any momentum during the middle and lower-order phases.
The difference between the two bowling performances was not just the number of wickets but also the control they offered. Kamboj conceded 48 fewer runs than Arshdeep despite bowling the same number of overs. His disciplined spell helped India maintain pressure and restricted New Zealand to a below-par total, giving the visitors a manageable target.