Arshdeep Singh joined legends Javagal Srinath and Mohammed Shami to become only the third Indian pacer to claim a four-wicket haul in New Zealand. Arshdeep achieved the feat during the first ODI against New Zealand in Auckland, returning figures of 4/70 from his 10 overs. His spell is the fourth-best by an Indian pacer in New Zealand, with Srinath’s 4/23 in Auckland in 2003 and 4/52 in Napier in 1995 occupying the top two spots. Shami’s 4/55 in Napier in 2014 ranks third. One more wicket would have seen Arshdeep join spin legend Anil Kumble (5/33 in Wellington in 1994) as only the second Indian bowler to take a five-wicket haul in New Zealand.
“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. “My favourite one would have been the fifth one, which I didn’t get.
Following the innings, Arshdeep said there was plenty of assistance on offer for the bowlers and that he enjoyed operating in New Zealand conditions. And yeah, the wind is helping as well,” he said. So I am still searching for one,” he said.
Earlier, a clinical bowling performance helped India skittle New Zealand out for 185 in the opening match of the five-match ODI series at Eden Park, Auckland, as the visitors made full use of the favourable conditions.
