The 25-year-old pacer, who faced a challenging debut against the West Indies last month, responded with a career-defining spell of 2/22 from his 10 overs. His economy rate of 2.20 not only stifled the New Zealand batting lineup but also placed him in rare company among Indian fast bowlers.
A record-equalling display of precision
Kamboj’s figures of 2/22 matched a specific benchmark previously set by some of India's most celebrated seamers. His economy rate is the best recorded by an Indian pacer in an ODI innings since Jasprit Bumrah achieved identical figures against Zimbabwe in 2016. The list of bowlers to return 2/22 in an ODI since 2005 also includes Ashish Nehra, who set the mark against Sri Lanka in 2005, and Ajit Agarkar, who matched it against the West Indies in 2006.
Operating as the first change, Kamboj maintained relentless pressure throughout the middle overs. He claimed the key wicket of New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner and later dismissed Nathan Smith, who fell to a spectacular one-handed catch by Virat Kohli. This performance marked a significant turnaround for the Haryana bowler, who had conceded 82 runs without a wicket during his maiden outing in New Chandigarh.
Collective effort restricts the hosts
While Kamboj provided the control, the entire Indian bowling unit contributed to the collapse of the New Zealand innings. Arshdeep Singh spearheaded the attack with a four-wicket haul, removing openers Will Young and Henry Nicholls early before returning to dismiss Glenn Phillips. Gurnoor Brar also played a vital role, claiming three wickets, including a sharp caught-and-bowled effort to dismiss Tim Latham.
New Zealand struggled to establish meaningful partnerships throughout the afternoon. Daryl Mitchell showed signs of stability during his 28-run stay, but a sharp piece of fielding from Rohit Sharma resulted in a run-out that kept the pressure on the hosts. Although Blair Tickner provided a late flurry of runs, striking four sixes in a quick-fire 34, the Indian attack remained composed to wrap up the innings at 185. The result serves as a major positive for the touring side as they look to build momentum in the series.
