India have been facing huge New Zealand blockade in ICC Tournaments from past two decades. Even the World Cup winning team of 2011 did not beat New Zealand. Finally, in CWC 2023, India got their revenge against New Zealand for Semi-Final loss in 2019. Well, New Zealand, if they continue to play as they are doing, India might meet them in Semi-Finals or Finals. For now, India has been able to navigate through this challenge.
India won the toss and elected to field first. In CWC 2023, the team seems to be going for opposite strategy to 2019 CWC. In the previous edition, India gone for first batting and setting a target. This time around, they have been happy to chase against teams. Devon Conway(0) got out without scoring and Will Young(17) fell soon. India tightened the screws so much that New Zealand found themselves at 19/2.
At this moment, Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell came together. They have put on 159-run partnership to rescue New Zealand from low score. Rachin Ravindra fell for 75 and Daryl Mitchell(130) scored his 5th century. India bowlers did not allow New Zealand get away with the game. Mohammed Shami took 5/54 and pushed New Zealand on a back foot in the death overs. India needed 274 to win as NZ got all-out for 273 in 50 overs.
Chasing the target, India got a huge aggresive start with Rohit Sharma(46) taking on bowlers. Shubman Gill(26), Shreyas Iyer(33) threw their wickets away. Virat Kohli held one end firmly once again and looked like completing his 49th ODI century equalling Sachin Tendulkar’s record. He tried in the last moments but missed it at 95.
Ravindra Jadeja(39) finished the match that he failed to do so in 2019. Mohammed Shami for his 5 wickets got Player of the Match award. India is now on top of the table with 5 wins and 10 points. They will play England on 29th October, next!
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