India secured their fifth straight win in the ongoing ICC World Cup after defeating New Zealand in Dharamsala on Sunday to go top of the points table. The win was also India’s fifth in a row after the ODI World Cup race, equaling New Zealand’s record from the 2015 edition.
India started their 2023 World Cup campaign with a win over Australia. The Men in Blue added wins over Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan before the victory over the Kiwis, with all five wins coming in pursuit of the target.
Against New Zealand, India were pushed to the limit, the home team winning by just four wickets. Mohammad Shami led the charge initially with a whistle before Virat Kohli took control of the chase with a calm knock.
It was India’s fifth win in a row to open the tournament and they are at the top of the table. New Zealand are second after their first loss. New Zealand were dismissed for 273 in 50 overs with Daryl Mitchell making a quickfire 130.
Electing to field, India removed both openers early but were sloppy on the field and dropped three catches to let New Zealand off the hook.
Mitchell put on a 159-run partnership with Rachin Ravindra (75) and New Zealand, sitting pretty at 205-3 in the 37th over, looked set for a 300-plus total before the Indian bowlers hit the brakes. Mohammed Shami led the effort, taking 5-54 in his first match of the tournament.
Skipper Rohit Sharma (46) led India’s blistering start but it was Kohli’s fourth 50+ score in five innings that helped hand New Zealand their first defeat of the tournament.
New Zealand beat England, Netherlands, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, while India also recorded wins over Australia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya was unavailable for the top-order clash due to a left ankle injury sustained by his team in the previous match against Bangladesh in Pune. The host chose Suryakumar Yadav in his place. India also brought in pacer Shami in place of bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur.
New Zealand remained unchanged from their previous win over Afghanistan in Chennai. Star batsman and captain Kane Williamson is still unavailable due to a thumb injury and Tom Latham once again led in his absence.
New Zealand were dismissed for 273 in 50 overs with Daryl Mitchell making a quickfire 130.
Kohli came close to equaling the record for most One-Day International (ODI) hundreds held by compatriot Sachin Tendulkar with 49.
Kohli went for a six to claim the record – and secure victory – but was caught near the boundary.
