India secured a thrilling victory over New Zealand in a crucial 50-over World Cup match. Virat Kohli played a vital role, scoring a crafty 95, but couldn’t finish the chase. Nevertheless, his mature innings helped India successfully reach a target of 274 with two overs to spare, maintaining their unbeaten streak in the tournament.
Daryl Mitchell was the star for New Zealand, smashing a rapid century. However, New Zealand was eventually bowled out for 273 in a game between two previously undefeated teams.
India 🇮🇳 make it FIVE in a row!
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 22, 2023
Ravindra Jadeja with the winning runs 🔥🔥
King Kohli 👑 reigns supreme in yet another run-chase for #TeamIndia 😎#CWC23 | #MenInBlue | #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/d6pQU7DSra
India opted to bowl first and managed to remove both of New Zealand’s opening batsmen early in the innings. However, India’s fielding performance was subpar, as they dropped three catches, giving New Zealand a lifeline.
Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra formed a crucial 159-run partnership, propelling New Zealand to a strong position at 205-3 in the 37th over. It seemed like they might reach a total exceeding 300, but the Indian bowlers, led by Mohammed Shami, applied the brakes. Shami was outstanding, claiming 5 wickets for 54 runs in his first match of the tournament.
India’s innings began with a bang, led by captain Rohit Sharma’s 46 runs. However, it was Virat Kohli who played a pivotal role, achieving his fourth score of 50 or more in five innings, ultimately leading India to hand New Zealand their first defeat in the tournament.
India had to make two changes to their lineup due to the absence of star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who was sidelined with an ankle injury. Suryakumar Yadav and fast bowler Mohammed Shami replaced Pandya and Shardul Thakur in the team.
New Zealand, on the other hand, remained unchanged from their previous victory over Afghanistan, with three seamers led by Trent Boult and two spinners in their lineup.
