IND vs NZ [WATCH]: Harshit Rana deceives Henry Nicholls with a stunning slower ball in 1st ODI

India‘s young fast bowling sensation Harshit Rana produced a moment of pure brilliance during the first ODI against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara, as he dismantled a threatening opening partnership with a perfectly disguised slower ball. Rana’s spell didn’t just remove the well-placed ones Henry Nicholls but also returned Devon Conway in quick succession, with the momentum turning firmly in India’s favor after a dominant start from the visitors.

India’s decision to bowl backfires early on

After winning the toss, India opted to field first on what looked like a good batting surface. However, the decision initially looked questionable as the New Zealand openers took full advantage of the conditions. Conway and Nicholls batted with composure and authority, rotating the strike efficiently and punishing loose deliveries. Their understanding in the middle was evident as they stitched together an impressive opening stand of 117 runs, putting early pressure on the Indian bowlers and silencing the home crowd in Vadodara.

Harshit Rana removes Henry Nicholls with a beauty

Just when the partnership looked to be in serious damage, Rana produced a moment of tactical excellence in the 22nd over. After bowling a few short deliveries sent to the boundaries, Rana Nicholls smartly set up with a slower off-cutter. On the fourth ball of the over, Rana delivered a slower ball of 113 kmph outside off stump. Nicholls, expecting pace, reached out to squeeze the ball through the offside.

Instead, he managed only a weak outside edge, and the ball ballooned towards the wicketkeeper. KL Rahul reacted sharply and dived to his left to complete a brilliant catch and break the dangerous tie. The dismissal immediately increased India’s energy on the field and marked a crucial turning point in the innings.

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Rana strikes again to remove Conway

Rana wasn’t done yet. Full of confidence, the young pacer returned in his next over and delivered another decisive blow. On the last ball of the 24th over, he delivered a full ball at 142.2 kmph, which landed on the seam and raced back in. Conway, who had raced to a well-made 56, tried to pull away with hard hands from his body. The ball took a thick inside edge and bounced off the leg stump, leaving the New Zealand opener stunned.

Here’s the video:

One brings two for Harshit Rana and #TeamIndia!

New Zealand loses both openers.

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/OcIPHEpvjr#INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/gSzvDD40XU

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 11, 2026

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