India started the first ODI against New Zealand in a strong fashion as hosts were bowled out for 185 runs in 40.2 overs at Eden Park in Auckland. Left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh led India’s bowling with four wickets and put visitors in a good position at the innings break.
India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to field first; this gave his bowlers the opportunity to get into the act early on. Indian attack then ripped through New Zealand batting line-up before they could even think of setting a big total.
Arshdeep Singh Makes an Early Impact
Arshdeep Singh gave India early breakthroughs in the powerplay. He dismissed Will Young to take the first wicket of the innings and then removed Henry Nicholls (9) who scored nine runs. These two wickets put pressure on New Zealand and stopped the opening partnership from developing.
Arshdeep continued to be a major player as the innings progressed. He finished with 4 wickets for 70 runs in 10 overs, India’s leading wicket-taker in the first innings.
Although the bowler conceded runs his four wicket haul restricted New Zealand to below 200.
New Zealand Struggle to Build Partnerships
New Zealand struggled to build momentum after losing early wickets. Tim Seifert top scored with 38 runs off 43 deliveries but the hosts needed bigger partnership to put pressure on Indian bowlers.
The Indian bowling unit kept probing for breakthroughs and made sure New Zealand couldn’t get into a good batting rhythm. The regular wickets meant the hosts couldn’t build the kind of innings that could put up a challenging total.
The New Zealand batting line-up was eventually all out for 185 in 40.2 overs and India had 186 runs to win the first match.
India Gain the Advantage at the Innings Break
India’s decision to bowl first was fruitful as they restricted New Zealand to 185. Arshdeep’s four-wicket haul was the star of the show and bowling well overall meant that India’s batters had a manageable target to chase.
The total also gives India’s experienced batting line-up (Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill) an opportunity to lead the chase.
But New Zealand will want early wickets to make the chase hard. Conditions at Eden Park and pressure of opening ODI could still be a factor in result.
What Lies Ahead?
India will want to win the five-match ODI series they begin with a win (186 runs needed). They need a steady start and sensible partnerships not taking unnecessary risks.
New Zealand will want to strike early and defend their total with disciplined bowling. First innings gives India the advantage but it is how well the visitors chase that will decide the result.
Arshdeep Singh’s four-wicket haul has set India up well. It is now up to the Indian batting line-up to finish the job in Auckland.
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