India’s younger fast-bowling sensation Harshit Rana produced a second of sheer brilliance throughout the first ODI towards New Zealand on the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara, as he dismantled a threatening opening partnership with a wonderfully disguised slower ball. Rana’s spell not solely eliminated the well-set Henry Nicholls but in addition despatched again Devon Conway in fast succession, swinging momentum firmly in India’s favour after a dominant begin by the guests.
India’s determination to bowl backfires early
After profitable the toss, India opted to subject first on what regarded like batting floor. Nonetheless, the choice initially appeared questionable as New Zealand’s openers made full use of the circumstances. Conway and Nicholls batted with composure and authority, rotating strike effectively whereas punishing free deliveries. Their understanding within the center was evident as they stitched collectively a commanding 117-run opening stand, placing early strain on the Indian bowlers and silencing the house crowd in Vadodara.
Harshit Rana removes Henry Nicholls with a magnificence
Simply when the partnership regarded set to inflict severe harm, Rana produced a second of tactical excellence within the twenty second over. After bowling a few short-of-length deliveries that have been dispatched for boundaries, Rana cleverly arrange Nicholls with a slower off-cutter. On the fourth ball of the over, Rana delivered a 113 kmph slower ball outdoors off stump. Nicholls, anticipating tempo, reached out to squeeze the ball by means of the off facet.
As a substitute, he solely managed a faint outdoors edge, and the ball ballooned in direction of the wicketkeeper. KL Rahul reacted sharply, diving to his left to finish an outstanding catch and break the harmful stand. The dismissal instantly lifted India’s power on the sector and marked an important turning level within the innings.
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Rana strikes once more to take away Conway
Rana was not executed but. Driving excessive on confidence, the younger pacer returned in his very subsequent over and delivered one other decisive blow. On the ultimate ball of the twenty fourth over, he bowled a fullish supply at 142.2 kmph that landed on the seam and jagged again in. Conway, who had raced to a well-made 56, tried a drive with exhausting fingers away from his physique. The ball took a thick inside edge and crashed into the leg stump, leaving the New Zealand opener shocked.
Right here’s the video:
One brings two for Harshit Rana and #TeamIndia!
New Zealand lose each their openers.
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/OcIPHEpvjr#INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/gSzvDD40XU
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 11, 2026
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