Indian pacer Yash Thakur experienced a challenging start to his One Day International career during the fifth and final match against New Zealand at Bay Oval on Sunday. Thakur was dismissed for a duck, becoming the 18th Indian batter to be dismissed without scoring in his maiden appearance in the format.
The match was a series-deciding contest, as India looked to recover from a heavy 244-run loss in the fourth ODI. After being asked to bat first, the Indian team struggled early, losing top-order batters including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ruturaj Gaikwad. The team was eventually bowled out for 209 in 42.1 overs, with Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan contributing 46 runs each, while Naman Dhir added 22.
Despite the batting performance, the Indian bowlers successfully defended the total. Mohammad Siraj and Arshdeep Singh restricted the New Zealand lineup, with Arshdeep finishing with figures of 3/30 and Siraj taking 2/50. Thakur also contributed defensively, taking the catch to dismiss New Zealand opener Tim Seifert. New Zealand were bowled out for 187 in 48.1 overs, handing India a 22-run win.
Key facts
- Yash Thakur is the 18th Indian player to record a duck on his ODI debut.
- The list of Indian cricketers who scored a duck on debut includes Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and VVS Laxman.
- The 22-run victory in the fifth ODI secured a 3-1 series triumph for India.
- New Zealand's loss ended their run of 11 consecutive home ODI series victories.
- Mitchell Santner and Jacob Duffy each claimed three wickets for New Zealand.
Why it matters
The win successfully concluded the white-ball leg of the tour for India, as the team had previously won the five-match T20I series 3-2. This victory marks a significant shift, as it halted New Zealand's long-standing dominance in home ODI series.
Background
The list of Indian players dismissed for a duck on ODI debut dates back to 1974, when former captain Bishan Singh Bedi registered a zero in his first appearance.
Source: Times of India
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