Kamboj’s 2 for 22 helps India restrict New Zealand to 185

Anshul Kamboj took two wickets for 22 runs in 10 overs as India restricted New Zealand to 185 in the first one-day international at Eden Park in Auckland on November 4, 2026. Kamboj also received the Player of the Match award for his spell, which included two maiden overs. New Zealand were bowled out in 40.2 overs after India chose to bowl. Kamboj dismissed captain Mitchell Santner and Nathan Smith, conceding runs at an economy rate of 2.20. He bowled 46 deliveries without a run, according to match statistics. India won the rain-interrupted opener by five wickets under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, according to a match account. The result gave India a positive start to the five-match series. Kamboj said after the match that he had focused on maintaining consistent lines and lengths rather than overthinking the pitch. He also said his wobble-seam delivery was effective and that he used it repeatedly. He described preparation around his own lengths and lines, as well as studying opposing batters’ strengths and weaknesses. The figures marked a sharp change from Kamboj’s ODI debut against the West Indies, when he conceded 82 runs in 10 overs without taking a wicket, according...