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Bhuvneshwar Kumar finally had a moment to celebrate as the experienced Indian pacer picked up an international wicket after 1,434 days. Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck a crucial blow by dismissing Daryl Mitchell, giving India a crucial breakthrough early in the second T20I against New Zealand.
It was an important breakthrough for India as they looked to keep New Zealand under pressure after dismissing their key batters inside three overs in the ongoing second T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday, October 24. Earlier, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi denied opening spot on return to India XI vs New Zealand.
Daryl Mitchell falls into Bhuvneshwar Kumar's trap
Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled a good-length delivery that appeared to hold up slightly after pitching. New Zealand’s dangerous batter Daryl Mitchell tried to flick the ball towards the leg side, but he could not time the shot properly at Hagley Oval.
As Mitchell played through the delivery, the ball caught the leading edge of his bat and went high into the air behind the cover-point region. Tilak Varma was perfectly placed to complete the catch in the ongoing second T20I match.
THE KNUCKLE BALL OF BHUVNESHWAR KUMAR 🥹❤️ https://t.co/jD4TxaTrj8
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 24, 2026
Tilak, who earlier caught Tim Seifert off Arshdeep Singh’s bowling, had enough time to get underneath the ball, and he brilliantly maintained his balance and held on comfortably. Mitchell had to walk back to the pavilion after scoring only six runs.
1434-Day drought ends for Bhuvneshwar Kumar
With this, Bhuvneshwar got his first international wicket after 1,434 days. The seamer last picked up an international wicket on November 20, 2022, during the second T20I against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui.
In that match, Bhuvneshwar dismissed Finn Allen on the very second ball of New Zealand's innings. Arshdeep Singh took the catch. Amid this, India join Pakistan in exclusive 2-team list with 300th T20I vs New Zealand.
After 1434 days, Bhuvneshwar Kumar Picked Wicket in Intl Cricket 💙🔥 #INDvsNZ https://t.co/bzOHpkkQzG
— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) October 24, 2026
Daryl Mitchell gets lucky as Bhuvneshwar Kumar's direct hit fails to produce run-out
Before the dismissal in the same over, Daryl Mitchell had a narrow escape after Bhuvneshwar Kumar produced a brilliant direct hit at the bowler's end during the second T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The Indian team believed they had caught the New Zealand batter short of his crease, but the third umpire ruled him not out after checking the replay.
The incident happened when Mitchell played Bhuvneshwar's delivery towards the leg side and tried to take a quick single. There was some confusion between Finn Allen and Mitchell who started running but then stopped half way allowing India to complete the run-out.
Bhuvneshwar reacted quickly, got to the ball and threw it straight at the stumps at the bowler's end. The Indian players appealed for a run out as Mitchell ran back to the crease. Replays showed he had just made it beyond the line of the stumps before the ball hit them.
New Zealand struggle against India in 2nd T20I
New Zealand survived, but Bhuvneshwar's excellent fielding effort left everyone impressed. One ball later, the seamer managed to get rid of Mitchell to put the hosts under pressure. Earlier, Arshdeep Singh dismissed Tim Seifert, leaving New Zealand struggling at 18/2 in three overs.
Well, the Men in Blue had a stunning start as the Black Caps are currently struggling at 66/3 in 10 overs in the ongoing second T20I match at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
