Indian batting star Virat Kohli displayed a gesture of sportsmanship by gifting an Indian cricket team jersey to New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry following the pacer’s match-winning performance in the fourth ODI on Friday.
Henry delivered a devastating spell, recording career-best figures of 6/27 to dismantle India’s batting line-up as the hosts were bowled out for just 89 while chasing New Zealand’s target of 334. The right-arm pacer removed Rohit Sharma, Kohli and stand-in captain Shreyas Iyer for ducks, leaving India in deep trouble early in the innings.
Following the match, the official Instagram account of New Zealand Cricket shared a video showing Kohli and Henry exchanging words before the Indian batter presented the Kiwi bowler with a team jersey. The moment drew attention as a reflection of mutual respect between two leading international cricketers despite the one-sided result.
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Henry’s performance added to his impressive record against India in ODIs. He has now taken four four-wicket hauls or better against the Indian side in just 12 innings, equalling the record for the most such performances by a bowler against India in the format.
The six-wicket haul also moved Henry level with former New Zealand pacer Shane Bond for the third-highest number of five-wicket hauls by a New Zealand bowler in ODIs. Richard Hadlee and Trent Boult remain ahead of the duo with five and six five-wicket hauls, respectively.
India’s collapse brought back memories of the 2019 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand. For the first time in their ODI history, India lost three wickets without scoring a single run, with Henry responsible for the early damage.
Ishan Kishan top-scored for India with 27, while Axar Patel and Naman Dhir contributed 21 runs each. However, the remaining batting order failed to offer resistance as India were dismissed in 26.4 overs.
