IND vs NZ: Anshul Kamboj joins Jasprit Bumrah in elusive list after sensational spell in 1st ODI
New Delhi: India pacer Anshul Kamboj has produced a sensational performance in the against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday, November 4. The Haryana fast bowler endured a tough debut against the West Indies in New Chandigarh last month, but made a stellar comeback with figures of 2/22 in his 10 overs.
Kamboj’s economy rate of 2.20 stood out in a brilliant collective bowling performance as India restricted New Zealand to 185 in 40.2 overs after electing to bowl first. He had given away 82 runs and failed to pick up a wicket, as the West Indies chased down 352 runs with 10 balls to spare.
However, there was a little indication that the outing had dented his confidence in Auckland, where his accuracy, ability to generate bounce and subtle seam movement continued to trouble the Kiwi batters. He kept things tight through the middle overs, dismissing New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner and Nathan Smith.
Kamboj joins Bumrah in elite list
His brilliant bowling figures also earned him a place in the elite list. Kamboj’s economy rate of 2.20 is the best by an Indian fast bowler since Jasprit Bumrah recorded the same figures against Zimbabwe in Harare in 2016.
Ashish Nehra was the first bowler to achieve the milestone against Sri Lanka in Dambulla in August 2005, with figures of 2/22. Ajit Agarkar then matched his record against the West Indies in Kuala Lumpur in September 2006, while Bumrah recorded 4/22 against Zimbabwe in June 2016.
| Bowler | Figures | Opposition | Year |
| Ashish Nehra | 2/22 | Sri Lanka | 2005 |
| Ajit Agarkar | 2/22 | West Indies | 2006 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 4/22 | Zimbabwe | 2016 |
| Anshul Kamboj | 2/22 | New Zealand | 2026 |
New Zealand were bowled out for just 185 runs in 40.2 overs in the first ODI of the five-match series. Arshdeep Singh picked up four wickets, Gurnoor Brar took three, and Anshul Kamboj took two. Axar Patel and Auqib Nabi also provided valuable support.
Chasing the target, the Men in Blue got off to a poor start as Kyle Jamieson dismissed Rohit Sharma for a duck in the opening over. Following his dismissal, and Shubman Gill steadied the innings with an unbeaten 63-run stand for the second wicket, taking India to 64/1 in 12 overs. The visitors now need 103 runs to win, with rain bringing play to a halt.