New Zealand Struggles to Defend Totals Against India

New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy acknowledged that late starts during the home tour against India have contributed to the team's struggles in defending totals. The hosts suffered a five-wicket defeat in the first ODI at Eden Park after being bowled out for 185.

India chased down a revised target of 143 in 32 overs, marking the fourth time in five matches that New Zealand failed to defend a total. Duffy, who took 3/49 in the match, noted the conditions later in the day made defending challenging.

Duffy explained that moisture in the wicket, influenced by rain, affected the ball's behavior, reducing the tackiness and bounce that could have aided New Zealand's bowlers. He admitted that 185 was never going to be enough against India's batting line-up, which capitalized on the conditions during the chase.

India's pace attack, featuring Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar, and Anshul Kamboj, claimed all nine wickets, with the other dismissal coming from a run-out. Duffy praised the Indian quicks for their effective use of the bounce and seam movement.

Despite taking five wickets in India's innings, including three in quick succession, New Zealand's late breakthroughs did not alter the outcome. Duffy emphasized the team's intent to bounce back in the second ODI and level the series.

New Zealand will look to recover in the second ODI as they aim to turn the series around.