India pacer Gurnoor Brar produced one of the most entertaining moments of the first ODI of the five-match series against New Zealand when a playful exchange with Blair Tickner ended with the Kiwi batter losing his wicket. The incident took place at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday, November 4, as India looked to wrap up New Zealand’s innings after the hosts had struggled against the visitors’ bowling attack.
Gurnoor Brar and Blair Tickner engage in on-field banter
The incident occurred during the first ball of the 41st over. Brar delivered a back-of-a-length ball, and Tickner attempted to pull it towards the leg side but failed to make contact.
Tickner then appeared to gesture towards the middle stump, suggesting that Brar should bowl at the stumps. The New Zealand batter seemed to be playing a small mind game, hoping to influence the Indian bowler’s next delivery.
Brar, however, was quick to respond. The right-arm pacer gestured back at Tickner, seemingly challenging him to execute the pull shot properly. The exchange added a humorous twist to the contest, with neither player backing down.
Here’s the video:
Banter hits different with a wicket to show for it! 😂
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Gurnoor Brar dismisses Blair Tickner on the next ball
Brar stuck to his short-ball strategy and delivered another short delivery on the very next ball. Tickner once again attempted to pull, but this time he could only manage a thick top edge.
Wicketkeeper KL Rahul reacted quickly, moved to his left and completed the catch to end Tickner’s entertaining stay at the crease. Brar celebrated the wicket, while Tickner responded with a smile, reflecting the good-natured spirit of their exchange.
Brar finished with three wickets, adding to an impressive performance from India’s pace attack.
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Blair Tickner’s explosive 34 gives New Zealand a late boost
Despite the dismissal, Tickner played a valuable innings for New Zealand. Batting at No. 11, he smashed 34 runs off just 23 deliveries, including one four and four sixes.
New Zealand were struggling at 146/9 when Tickner joined Jacob Duffy in the middle. The pair added 39 runs for the final wicket, helping the hosts reach 185 after a difficult batting display.
Tickner’s aggressive approach surprised India, particularly as he repeatedly cleared the boundary against the pace bowlers. His four sixes also equalled the record for the most sixes by a No. 11 batter in an ODI innings, joining Mohammad Amir and Naseem Shah on the list.
For India, Arshdeep Singh led the bowling effort with four wickets, while Anshul Kamboj picked up two.
