India clinched victory in their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 (CWC23) clash with New Zealand. The match, initially interrupted by descending fog in Dharamsala, witnessed a brilliant chase orchestrated by the masterful Virat Kohli, who guided his team to their 274-run target.
New Zealand’s top order seemed set for a substantial score, led by Daryl Mitchell’s impressive century. However, India made a decisive comeback in the final Powerplay, conceding only 54 runs, with Mohammad Shami’s exceptional five-wicket haul.
The chase began explosively, thanks to Rohit Sharma, and concluded with Ravindra Jadeja (39*) hitting the winning boundary with 12 balls to spare.
Kohli, on the verge of a century, attempted a six but was caught out at 95 from 104 balls, narrowly missing the milestone.
Facing a target of 274, India’s openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill set the stage with a rapid partnership. Rohit continued his excellent form against New Zealand’s formidable opening bowlers, while Gill reached 2000 runs in Men’s ODIs during the powerplay, taking India to 63/0 after ten overs.
Lockie Ferguson slowed India’s progress, removing both Rohit (46) and Shubman Gill (26). A blanket of fog interrupted the match, but Kohli and Shreyas Iyer resumed their partnership as visibility improved. Trent Boult dismissed Iyer for 33, but Kohli continued to excel.
Kohli secured another half-century and became the tournament’s leading run-scorer, but a topsy-turvy match saw KL Rahul depart for 27, leaving India with a challenging chase.
Suryakumar Yadav was run out for 2, testing India’s lower-order batting. However, Kohli and Jadeja steadied the ship, ensuring they stayed ahead of the required run rate.
Kohli missed his 49th ODI century, but Jadeja found the boundary for the winning runs, securing India’s fifth consecutive victory.
In the match’s opening stages, India won the toss and opted to field, making two changes to their XI. Hardik Pandya’s injury ruled him out, while Mohammed Shami and Suryakumar Yadav joined the team. India’s fast bowlers applied early pressure, leading to the wickets of New Zealand’s Will Young and Devon Conway.
Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell resurrected New Zealand’s innings with a remarkable 159-run partnership. Shami’s crucial wicket of Ravindra (75) tilted the balance in India’s favor. Kuldeep Yadav contributed with crucial wickets, including Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips.
In the 48th over, Mohammed Shami’s double strike further hindered New Zealand’s late surge. Mitchell’s century (130 from 127 balls) was the standout performance for New Zealand, but they couldn’t capitalize on their solid foundation.
