Watch - IND vs NZ: 'Try the Stumps!' Tickner's Cheeky Challenge to Gurnoor Brar Ends in Disaster

A hilarious on-field exchange between India pacer Gurnoor Brar and New Zealand batter Blair Tickner grabbed attention during the first ODI between India and New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday, November 4. What began as playful banter ended with Brar dismissing Tickner, with wicketkeeper KL Rahul completing the catch behind the stumps.

The incident took place during the 41st over of New Zealand’s innings, when Tickner, batting at No. 11, attempted to take on Brar’s short-pitched deliveries.

Tickner challenges Brar to bowl at the stumps

The exchange began when Brar bowled a back-of-a-length delivery that Tickner attempted to pull but failed to connect with.

The New Zealand batter responded with a cheeky gesture, pointing towards his stumps and seemingly asking the Indian pacer to target the wickets instead of repeatedly troubling him with short balls.

Brar was quick to respond. The Indian bowler gestured back, appearing to challenge Tickner to execute the pull shot properly.

Neither player backed down, making the moment particularly entertaining for viewers. However, Brar had no intention of abandoning his bowling strategy.

Gurnoor Brar gets the last laugh as KL Rahul completes the catch

The very next delivery proved decisive.

Brar bowled another short ball, and Tickner attempted to pull it away. This time, however, the New Zealand batter could only manage a top edge.

KL Rahul moved to his left and safely completed the catch behind the stumps, bringing Tickner’s entertaining innings to an end.

Brar immediately celebrated the wicket with his arms raised, while Tickner walked back with a smile, seemingly enjoying the light-hearted exchange despite his dismissal.

The moment perfectly captured the competitive yet sporting spirit of international cricket.

Blair Tickner’s explosive cameo gives New Zealand a late boost

Despite the dismissal, Tickner made a valuable contribution with the bat.

The New Zealand pacer smashed 34 runs off just 23 deliveries, including one four and four sixes. His aggressive batting helped New Zealand recover from a difficult position after losing nine wickets for 146 runs.

Tickner and Jacob Duffy added 39 runs for the final wicket, taking New Zealand to 185 all out in 40.2 overs.

For India, Gurnoor Brar finished with three wickets, while Arshdeep Singh led the bowling attack with four scalps.

The entertaining exchange between Brar and Tickner quickly became one of the memorable moments of the opening ODI, with the Indian pacer ultimately having the last laugh.