India registered an impressive victory over New Zealand in Auckland, with both the bowling and batting departments contributing to the team's success. Arshdeep Singh picked up four wickets, while Virat Kohli played a crucial innings of 74 runs off 51 balls.

However, the Player of the Match award went to young fast bowler Anshul Kamboj, who claimed just two wickets. His outstanding economy and disciplined bowling performance proved decisive in the match.

Here's why Kamboj received the award despite the impressive performances of Kohli and Arshdeep.

Anshul Kamboj's Economical Bowling Stole the Show

Anshul Kamboj delivered an impressive spell, finishing with figures of 2 wickets for 22 runs in 10 overs.

What made his performance special was his ability to keep the New Zealand batters under pressure throughout his spell. He bowled 46 dot balls, preventing the opposition from scoring freely.

His short-of-a-length deliveries troubled the Kiwi batters, making it difficult for them to build partnerships or accelerate the scoring rate.

Kamboj also dismissed two important players, Mitchell Santner and Nathan Smith, further strengthening India's position.

Although he picked up fewer wickets than Arshdeep Singh, his control over the run rate played a major role in restricting New Zealand to a modest total.

A Remarkable Comeback After His ODI Debut

Kamboj's Player of the Match performance was particularly special because of his difficult start to international cricket.

He made his ODI debut against the West Indies last month but conceded 82 runs in that match.

Despite the disappointing outing, the team management gave him another opportunity. He responded brilliantly in just his second ODI, delivering a match-winning bowling performance.

His comeback highlights the importance of backing young players and giving them opportunities to improve at the international level.

Anshul Kamboj Joins a Special List of Indian Bowlers

Kamboj also achieved a notable distinction with his Player of the Match award.

According to the report, he became the seventh Indian bowler to receive the award after taking only two wickets in an ODI.

Jasprit Bumrah has achieved a similar distinction on two occasions, while Anil Kumble was the first Indian bowler to receive the award for a two-wicket performance in an ODI, against England in 1990.

This achievement makes Kamboj's performance even more memorable.

How Did India Win the Match Against New Zealand?

New Zealand batted first but struggled to establish control against India's bowling attack.

Tim Seifert was the leading scorer with 38 runs, while Glenn Phillips contributed 30. Interestingly, number 11 batter Blair Tickner scored 34 runs to help New Zealand reach a total of 185.

India also suffered an early setback during the chase when Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a duck.

However, Virat Kohli and captain Shubman Gill steadied the innings with a crucial partnership of 113 runs from 104 balls.

Kohli scored 74 off 51 deliveries, while Gill provided valuable support at the other end. Their partnership helped India recover from the early wicket and move towards victory.

Why Did Anshul Kamboj Deserve the Award?

Kohli's batting and Arshdeep's four-wicket haul were undoubtedly important contributions, but Kamboj offered something equally valuable: exceptional control and consistency.

His figures of 2/22 in 10 overs, along with 46 dot balls, helped restrict New Zealand's scoring opportunities.

In cricket, Player of the Match awards are not decided solely by the number of runs scored or wickets taken. The overall impact of a player's performance on the result also matters.

Kamboj's economical spell, important breakthroughs and impressive comeback made him a deserving recipient of the award.