India Beat New Zealand in Thrilling Encounter, Remain Unbeaten in 2023 World Cup India won the toss and decided to bowl first in the 21st match of the 2023 World Cup at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. New Zealand got off to a slow start, losing their first two wickets for just 19 runs. However, Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell put on a 159-run partnership for the third wicket to revive the innings. Mitchell scored a brilliant 130 runs in 127 balls, while Ravindra chipped in with 75 runs in 87 balls.
New Zealand lost wickets at regular intervals after the dismissal of Ravindra, but they managed to reach a total of 273 runs in 50 overs. Glenn Phillips made a quickfire 23 runs in 26 balls at the end of the innings to help New Zealand boost their total.
Mohammed Shami was the pick of the Indian bowlers, taking 5 wickets for 54 runs in 10 overs. Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj also took two and one wicket respectively.
India got off to a flying start in the chase, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill scoring 50 runs in the first 10 overs. However, both openers were dismissed in quick succession, and India were reduced to 79/2.
Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer then put on a 102-run partnership for the third wicket to rebuild the Indian innings. Kohli played a sublime innings of 95 runs in 109 balls, but he fell short of his 49th ODI century. Iyer also played a good knock, scoring 52 runs in 75 balls.
Ravindra Jadeja and Suryakumar Yadav then finished off the chase for India, with Jadeja scoring 39 runs in 40 balls and Yadav making 25 runs in 21 balls. India reached the target of 274 runs in 48 overs, winning the match by 4 wickets.
Players performance
Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand): Mitchell was the star performer for New Zealand with the bat. He scored a brilliant 130 runs in 127 balls, which helped New Zealand reach a competitive total. Mitchell’s innings was studded with 12 fours and three sixes.
Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand): Ravindra also played a key role for New Zealand with the bat. He scored 75 runs in 87 balls, and put on a crucial 159-run partnership with Mitchell for the third wicket. Ravindra’s innings was studded with seven fours and two sixes.
Mohammed Shami (India): Shami was the pick of the Indian bowlers. He took 5 wickets for 54 runs in 10 overs, and bowled with great pace and accuracy. Shami’s wickets included those of New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and star batsman Daryl Mitchell.
Virat Kohli (India): Kohli played a sublime innings of 95 runs in 109 balls, but he fell short of his 49th ODI century. Kohli’s innings was studded with 11 fours and two sixes. Kohli’s innings was crucial for India, as it helped them rebuild their innings after the dismissal of their two openers.
Ravindra Jadeja (India): Jadeja played a crucial role for India with both the bat and the ball. He took one wicket for 42 runs in 8 overs with the ball, and then scored 39 runs in 40 balls with the bat to help India finish off the chase.
Man of the match
Mohammed Shami was awarded the man of the match for his brilliant bowling performance. He took 5 wickets for 54 runs in 10 overs, and bowled with great pace and accuracy. Shami’s wickets included those of New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and star batsman Daryl Mitchell.
Conclusion
India’s victory over New Zealand was a comprehensive one. They bowled well to restrict New Zealand to a total of 273 runs, and then chased down the target with ease. India’s victory was even more special as it came against the team that had defeated them in the semi-final of the 2019 World Cup.
India is now the only unbeaten team left in the tournament. They have won all five of their matches so far, and are looking like the favorites to win the World Cup.