New Zealand and India recently engaged in a closely contested ODI match in Wellington, where the conditions heavily favoured bowlers. Despite being dismissed for just 134 runs, New Zealand managed to keep the game competitive, ultimately falling short by a mere four runs to the visitors, India.
Commenting on the nature of low-scoring games, New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson expressed his preference for such conditions. “What do you think? You like it? You guys like it?” he queried, adding, “I mean, I’m biased, so I’m always going to say it’s nice to have them back.”
Jamieson, who delivered an impressive performance taking 3 for 35 in his ten overs, reflected on the challenge of bowling in varied conditions. “I’ve played on many pitches where going at tens is probably a good day,” he noted. “It’s nice to get a little bit of a favour now again. I hope the viewers appreciate the skill from both the bowling line-ups and the batters.”
The seam-friendly pitch, affected by rain, provided a lively contest for the bowlers. India’s Gurnoor Brar also excelled, securing 4 for 35 in his spell. The fast bowlers, from both sides, relished the opportunity, averaging figures below 15 runs per wicket, highlighting the uneven bounce and movement on offer.
Jamieson relished the change. “It was nice, wasn’t it? Nice change for us bowlers,” he remarked, reflecting on the shift from the high-scoring T20I series to this ODI. “Regardless of the runs in the first innings, we aimed to show some fight and see what happens—little rain, lack of runs, sort of held us up,” Jamieson shared.
In the first ODI, New Zealand were dismissed for 185 and struggled again to surpass 150 in this game. However, Jamieson felt no frustration over the low totals. “We’ve seen the tosses play a part. Batting first can be trickier, especially under lights with moisture. There’s no real frustration about totals. We learn and reflect, hoping for a good effort in Hamilton.”
The New Zealand bowler also candidly spoke about his return to cricket post the winter break. “It’s been a slow burn, getting back into rhythm,” he admitted. “Mentally, it’s about overcoming the hurdle to let go and play with freedom, not worrying about L4, L5 areas [of the spine]. After the UK Test series, I had a good winter and feel like things are in a good place now.”
The teams will meet again in Hamilton on Tuesday, providing another opportunity to reflect, adjust, and aim for improvement.
