Virat Kohli Takes Diving Slip Catch to Remove Nathan Smith, Celebrates with Bow and Arrow Pose

Key points

1. Virat Kohli took a low diving catch at second slip to dismiss Nathan Smith in the 29th over of the first India-New Zealand ODI at Eden Park, Auckland, on November 4, 2026.
2. The catch came off Anshul Kamboj's bowling after Smith edged a full delivery outside off stump; Kohli dived to his right and held the ball just above the ground.
3. Smith's dismissal left New Zealand at 115/7, according to the match report.
4. Kohli followed the catch with a 'Bow and Arrow' celebration that drew attention in the match coverage.
5. Earlier, Rohit Sharma helped create another New Zealand wicket by collecting Daryl Mitchell's nudge at mid-wicket; KL Rahul completed the run-out behind the stumps.

Virat Kohli produced a sharp piece of fielding to give India another breakthrough in the first ODI against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland on November 4. The former India captain dived to his right at second slip to take a low catch and dismiss Nathan Smith off Anshul Kamboj, then followed the effort with a 'Bow and Arrow' celebration.

The dismissal came in the 29th over and left New Zealand at 115 for seven, according to match coverage. Smith went hard at a full delivery outside off stump but could manage only a thick edge. Kohli reacted quickly, got down to his right and held the ball just inches above the turf to complete the catch.

Kohli's low catch gives Kamboj a key wicket

The chance demanded quick hands and a clean take from Kohli, who was positioned at second slip. Smith's edge travelled low, forcing Kohli to dive to his right rather than take a regulation catch in front of him. He stayed close to the ground and secured the ball before it could touch the surface.

Anshul Kamboj was the bowler to benefit from the effort. The wicket of Smith came at an important point in New Zealand's innings, with the hosts reduced to 115/7 in the 29th over. The catch added to India's progress through the middle overs and gave the visitors another moment to celebrate in the field.

Kohli's reaction was as noticeable as the catch itself. After holding on, he performed a 'Bow and Arrow' celebration, a gesture picked out in the match coverage. The pose gave the moment an extra visual flourish and quickly became part of the discussion around India's fielding in Auckland.

Rohit and Rahul combine for another dismissal

Kohli was not the only senior India batter to make an impact in the field. Earlier, Rohit Sharma helped bring about the dismissal of Daryl Mitchell in the 22nd over. Mitchell nudged an Axar Patel delivery towards the leg side and appeared to hesitate while considering a run.

Rohit moved in quickly from mid-wicket, collected the ball and sent in a fast underarm throw. KL Rahul completed the run-out behind the stumps with a clean collection. The dismissal gave India another important wicket and showcased the awareness and coordination of two experienced players.

The two fielding moments came in different ways: Rohit's quick pick-up and throw created a run-out opportunity, while Kohli's reflexes and low catch converted an edge into a wicket. Together, they underlined India's ability to create chances through sharp work in the field during the opening ODI.

India's fielding adds to the contest at Eden Park

India captain Shubman Gill had elected to field after winning the toss. The visitors went into the match with a pace-heavy attack, including Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh. Mohammed Siraj was left out of the playing XI, while Naman Dhir was preferred over Nitish Kumar Reddy as the spin-bowling all-rounder.

With a relatively inexperienced group of fast bowlers, India's fielders had an important role in supporting the attack. Kohli's catch provided a sharp finish to Kamboj's delivery, while Rohit's involvement in Mitchell's run-out showed the value of anticipation and quick decision-making in the inner ring.

For Kohli, the moment was another reminder that his influence in the ODI format extends beyond his batting. The catch was not a routine take at slip: it required him to move sharply, get low and hold the ball inches above the ground. His celebration ensured the moment was noticed beyond the immediate wicket.

A memorable fielding moment in the series opener

The first ODI in Auckland brought together two of India's most experienced players in key fielding roles. Rohit's contribution helped remove Mitchell, while Kohli's catch accounted for Smith later in the innings. Rahul's role in completing the run-out also highlighted the coordination required to convert a half-chance into a dismissal.

The focus of the viral clip was Kohli's low catch and the celebration that followed. It was a compact sequence: Smith edged Kamboj, Kohli dived to his right, the ball stayed in his hands, and the 'Bow and Arrow' pose followed. The wicket left New Zealand seven down and gave India another breakthrough in the middle overs.

As the five-match ODI series gets underway, India's fielding effort offered an early talking point alongside the performances with the ball. Kohli's catch stood out for its athleticism and control, while the celebration added a memorable finish to one of the standout moments of the Auckland contest.