New Delhi: Virat Kohli produced a stunning fielding moment during the first ODI between India and New Zealand, taking a remarkable one-handed catch to dismiss Nathan Smith and create a new record for Indian fielders in New Zealand.
The incident occurred on November 4 during New Zealand’s innings, when Kohli displayed outstanding reflexes and athleticism to complete the catch at slip. The dismissal provided India with its seventh wicket and further strengthened the visitors’ control over the match.
Kohli, who returned to international cricket after a month-long break, celebrated enthusiastically with a bow-and-arrow gesture, adding to the excitement surrounding the moment.
Kohli Creates New Fielding Record
The catch came in the 29th over, when pacer Anshul Kamboj bowled to Nathan Smith. The New Zealand batter managed only a faint edge, sending the ball towards Kohli in the slip cordon.
Reacting instantly, Kohli moved to his right and dived to grab the ball with one hand. His exceptional anticipation and quick reflexes ensured that the difficult chance was converted into a wicket.
The effort also helped Kohli surpass former India captain MS Dhoni’s record for the oldest Indian player to take a catch in New Zealand.
Dhoni had achieved the previous milestone at 37 years and 218 days. Kohli bettered it at 37 years and 364 days, adding another achievement to his international career.
A video of the catch and his energetic celebration quickly attracted attention among cricket followers on social media.
Rohit Sharma Adds to India’s Fielding Excellence
Kohli was not the only senior Indian player to make an impression in the field. Rohit Sharma also produced an important contribution by effecting the run-out of New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell.
Mitchell scored 28 runs from 41 deliveries before Rohit’s sharp fielding and accurate throw ended his innings. The dismissal further disrupted New Zealand’s efforts to build a competitive total.
The contributions from India’s experienced players complemented an impressive performance by the team’s young bowling attack.
New Zealand Bowled Out for 185
India’s pace bowlers maintained consistent pressure throughout the innings, preventing the hosts from establishing substantial partnerships. New Zealand were eventually dismissed for 185 in 40.2 overs.
At the time of the match update cited in the report, India had reached 54 for one in 10.5 overs, requiring another 132 runs from 235 deliveries to secure victory.
The visitors were comfortably placed in the chase, with the required run rate at 3.37.
Indian Stars Meet Rugby Legend Kevin Mealamu
Before the opening ODI, India captain Shubman Gill, Kohli and Rohit Sharma also met former New Zealand rugby star Kevin Mealamu.
Mealamu presented the Indian cricketers with a special All Blacks jersey. He represented New Zealand in 132 international matches and was also entrusted with the captaincy during his career.
The meeting offered a memorable sporting interaction ahead of the cricket series.
India entered the ODI contest after winning the preceding five-match T20I series 3-2. The tour also includes a five-match ODI series followed by two Test matches, with the first Test scheduled to begin on November 19.
Kohli’s outstanding catch emerged as one of the highlights of the opening ODI, reinforcing his reputation as one of India’s most athletic and dependable fielders.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=RtToJsBhYBatUrym&v=mOuYNSdhjHA&feature=youtu.be
