The first ODI between New Zealand and India at Eden Park in Auckland has witnessed some outstanding moments in the field, with Shreyas Iyer producing an impressive catch to send opener Will Young back to the pavilion. India’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss has worked in their favour, as the visitors have consistently picked up wickets and kept the New Zealand batting lineup under pressure.
With India’s bowlers making the most of the conditions, the hosts have struggled to build meaningful partnerships. However, it was Iyer’s sharp fielding effort that provided another memorable moment during the opening stages of the contest.
Shreyas Iyer takes a brilliant catch to dismiss Will Young
The breakthrough arrived during the fifth over of New Zealand’s innings when Arshdeep Singh got the better of Will Young. The left-arm pacer delivered a short-of-a-length ball, prompting the right-handed batter to attempt an aggressive pull shot.
However, Young failed to get the desired connection and sent the ball high into the air towards the square-leg region. Positioned near mid-wicket, Shreyas Iyer immediately reacted, moved towards his right and positioned himself underneath the ball.
The Indian fielder completed the catch comfortably, bringing Young’s innings to an end. The New Zealand opener departed after failing to capitalise on the opportunity, giving India an early breakthrough. The dismissal was particularly important as it allowed the visitors to maintain their early momentum. Arshdeep also received a deserved reward for maintaining pressure with his disciplined bowling.
Here’s the video:
Shreyas Iyer settles under it and makes no mistake! 👏
Will Young has to head back to the pavilion. 🎯
Watch the HERO VIDA India Tour of New Zealand 1st ODI, LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels, Sony LIV & Sony Vizha.#SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV #SonyVizha #NZVIND pic.twitter.com/oUHoovw9b4
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) November 4, 2026
Also WATCH: NZ vs IND, 1st ODI: Here’s why Devon Conway is not playing today’s match
New Zealand batters struggle against India’s bowling attack
India’s decision to bowl first appeared to be influenced by the overcast conditions in Auckland, and the bowling unit made the most of the opportunity. The visitors’ relatively young pace attack delivered an impressive performance, preventing New Zealand from settling into their innings.
Arshdeep, Gurnoor Brar and Anshul Kamboj emerged as the leading wicket-takers during the initial stages. Arshdeep claimed two wickets for 25 runs, while Gurnoor also picked up two scalps, conceding 31 runs. Kamboj was particularly economical, returning figures of 2/14.
Tim Seifert provided some early resistance with an attacking contribution of 38 runs. However, New Zealand continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, making it difficult for the home side to establish control. India also produced some outstanding fielding efforts apart from Iyer’s catch. Rohit showcased his sharpness with a brilliant run-out to dismiss Daryl Mitchell, who had contributed 28 runs.
Virat Kohli added to New Zealand’s troubles with a spectacular one-handed diving catch at second slip to remove Nathan Smith. The Indian batting great displayed excellent reflexes to complete the dismissal just above the ground. At the time of writing, New Zealand were struggling at 116/7 after 29 overs, with Glenn Phillips among the batters looking to keep the innings alive. India will be hoping to wrap up the remaining wickets quickly and restrict the hosts to a manageable total in the series opener.
Also SEE: 5 stunning pics of Glenn Maxwell’s Indian origin wife Vini Raman
