Rohit Sharma launches a brilliant diving throw to run out Daryl Mitchell for 28 in NZ vs IND 2026 1st ODI [Watch]

Rohit Sharma rolled back the years with a breathtaking piece of fielding on Wednesday, pulling off a diving throw to dismiss a well-set Daryl Mitchell during the opening ODI between India and New Zealand at Eden Park.

The dismissal occurred on the first delivery of the 22nd over. Glenn Phillips nudged a length ball onto the leg side and impulsively bolted down the pitch in search of a risky single. Mitchell hesitated but committed to the call, only for Sharma to intervene in a flash.

Stationed inside the inner ring, the veteran Indian opener anticipated the play, threw his body to his right to gather the ball cleanly, and unleashed a rapid throw off-balance while tumbling to the turf.

Wicketkeeper KL Rahul gathered the throw cleanly over the stumps and whipped off the bails in one fluid motion, catching Mitchell inches short of the crease. Mitchell walked back for 28 off 41 balls, ending a resilient knock that had kept the hosts steady amid a flurry of early wickets.

Sharma got up with a wide grin, flashing a triumphant fist pump as teammates Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli rushed over in disbelief to embrace him. The dismissal triggered exuberant celebrations across the Indian camp, breaking a dangerous stand and reducing the Black Caps to 97 for five.

Watch the clip here:

Disciplined India strangle New Zealand early in Auckland after opting to bowl

India asserted ruthless authority with the ball in the series opener at Eden Park, dismantling New Zealand’s top order to leave the hosts reeling at 97 for five inside 22 overs.

After Indian skipper Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to field in overcast, testing conditions, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh provided the early breakthroughs by removing Will Young (9) and Henry Nicholls (9) inside the opening powerplay.

Pacer Gurnoor Brar maintained the relentless pressure during the middle overs, accounting for a fluent Tim Seifert (38) before taking a return catch to send back Tom Latham for just three.

With the Black Caps desperate for stability, Daryl Mitchell (28) attempted to rebuild alongside Glenn Phillips. However, India delivered a hammer blow in the 22nd over when Rohit Sharma pounced on a hesitant single to run out Mitchell with a diving throw, capping an electric start that placed India firmly in the driver’s seat.

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