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.

After 1434 days, Bhuvneshwar Kumar Picked Wicket in Intl Cricket 💙🔥 #INDvsNZ https://t.co/bzOHpkkQzG

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) October 24, 2026

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