After being benched in the T20I series, Umran Malik was unleashed for the first time in ODI cricket, and the tearaway Jammu-Kashmir fast bowler made big noises on his ODI debut on Friday against New Zealand at Eden Park.
The Indian bowlers had some cushion of a sizeable total of 306 to defend, but at Eden Park, which has short boundaries and a good pitch, the hosts were going to be threatening. Finn Allen and Devon Conway were steady, taking New Zealand to 42/1 by the end of the first powerplay at 10 overs with the right-hander dismissed by Shardul Thakur.
Shikhar Dhawan, the stand-in skipper for this ODI series, then gave the ball to Umran Malik in the 11th over with the field restrictions now lifted, giving more error of margin to the young debutant.
The fans at Eden Park and the millions watching back home were excited to see the 23-year-old. And Malik got the ball rolling in his first over by clocking over 140 KPH in 5 out of 6 balls. In his second over then, Malik bowled every single delivery at above 140 KPH.
Then a change of ends brought Malik instant success as he had Devon Conway for his maiden ODI wicket. The left-handed opener edged widish delivery, chasing it well outside the off-stump and nicking it to wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant. Malik celebrated his first ODI scalps animatedly. Energized with his first ODI scalp, Malik then sent down a ripper at 153 KPH.
Video: Umran Malik takes his maiden ODI wicket:
we have a feeling we’re going to be fans of Umran Malik a while! π―#NZvINDonPrime #CricketOnPrime pic.twitter.com/3SHw4ZUjBm
β prime video IN (@PrimeVideoIN) November 25, 2022
Malik then bowled two more overs in his opening spell. In his fifth over, bowling to his SRH captain Kane Williamson, Malik had the Kiwi skipper squared up with an in-seamer which Williamson edged but there was no first slip.
Umran Malik ended the over, though, with the wicket of Daryl Mitchell, who miscued his slash to a short and wide delivery outside the off-stump and the ball landed in the hands of the deep point fielder. Umran Malikβs first spell read: 5-0-19-2.
Fans on Twitter went wild at seeing Umran Malik take his first ODI wicket and his terrific first spell. Here are some of the Twitter reactions:
One of the most beautiful first spell by a debutant, bowled 5 consecutive overs with most of his ball over 140+ with lots of control and took two wickets.
Keep roaring, Umran Malik.
β Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 25, 2022
First wicket for Umran Malik in ODI format, a big day for all Jammu & Kashmir cricket fans.
β Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 25, 2022
153 kph by Umran Malik – fastest ball of the match.
β Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 25, 2022
Feels so good to finally see Umran Malik play! I think heβs more than ready for international cricket and should play consistently now! #NZvIND
β Mohsin Kamal (@64MohsinKamal) November 25, 2022
Keeping an eye on team score and bowling speed in Umran Malik’s over. pic.twitter.com/m0YqdBy2OF
β Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) November 25, 2022
πππ kmph π
Umran Malik has brought the fire on his ODI debut π₯#NZvIND pic.twitter.com/Ozy032kpex
β Sport360Β° (@Sport360) November 25, 2022
UMRAN MALIK.
Remember the name β₯οΈβ₯οΈβ₯οΈβ₯οΈβ₯οΈ#NZvIND #OrangeArmy #UmranMalik
β SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) November 25, 2022
It wasn’t the brainiest of ideas to have Umran debut at the smallest ground here but the amount of control he has shown is terrific. Seen some major improvement this innings.
β Manya (@CSKian716) November 25, 2022
Watching Umran Malik bowling absolutely quick that’s making batsmen hop I can visualise teenagers from Kashmir dreaming to emulate him. Already there are quite a few quicks from the villages of Kashmir making impact in the BCCI tournaments. It’s time to fast track them.
β Makarand Waingankar (@wmakarand) November 25, 2022
Umran Malik is on π₯ at Auckland, another one goes #NZvIND #UmranMalik https://t.co/JqZhWbiLlU
β Wasay Habib (@wwasay) November 25, 2022
Swiggy fastest delivery of the match once again goes to Umran Malik.
β Bhoomiputra Joker Parody (@Jokeresque_) November 25, 2022
Umran Malik’s performance is not at all surprising. Hit right lengths and let his pace do it’s thing. Wonderful ODI debut. Perhaps the best by an Indian since Shami in 2013 ODI v PAK.
β Harvik Desai (@TheFlamingoShot) November 25, 2022
