Matt Henry creates ODI history with three-wicket opening over against India, joins Shaun Pollock and Chaminda Vaas in elite list

New Zealand pacer Matt Henry delivered a historic performance against India in the fourth ODI at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Friday, November 13. The right-arm fast bowler became only the third bowler in men's ODI history to claim three or more wickets in the opening over of an innings.

Henry dismantled India's top order in a sensational first over, dismissing Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer without conceding a run. The visitors were left reeling at 0/3 while chasing New Zealand's target of 334.

Rohit was the first to depart after edging Henry's opening delivery to Finn Allen at first slip. Kohli followed after being bowled by a delivery that stayed low, while Iyer became the pacer's third victim after a successful DRS review overturned the on-field decision.

The remarkable spell made Henry the first bowler to take three wickets in the opening over of an ODI against India. It was also the first time India had lost their first three wickets without scoring a run in an ODI innings.

Matt Henry joins Shaun Pollock and Chaminda Vaas in elite list

Henry's achievement placed him alongside former fast-bowling greats Shaun Pollock and Chaminda Vaas, who had previously produced similar opening-over spells in ODI cricket.

Pollock claimed four wickets in the opening over against Pakistan in Lahore in 1997, while Vaas picked up three wickets against Bangladesh in Pietermaritzburg during the 2003 ODI World Cup.

Vaas' performance remains particularly remarkable as he also completed a hat-trick in that over. He dismissed Hannan Sarkar, Mohammad Ashraful and Ehsanul Haque in successive deliveries before Sanwar Hossain became his fourth victim.

Henry and Pollock also had an opportunity to complete a hat-trick during their respective spells but could not add a third consecutive wicket.

Matt Henry's six-wicket haul powers New Zealand to victory

Henry's opening-over heroics were part of an outstanding overall bowling performance. The New Zealand pacer finished with career-best ODI figures of 6/27, playing a decisive role in India's collapse.

New Zealand had earlier posted 333 all out in 50 overs, with Will Young scoring 125 off 108 deliveries and Tim Seifert contributing 58.

India were eventually bowled out for 89, suffering a 244-run defeat. The result reduced India's lead in the five-match ODI series to 2-1, with the final match scheduled to be played at the same venue on Sunday.