IND vs NZ Review: Shami, Kohli show their prowess to dethrone New Zealand

In the highly anticipated match of the 2023 ODI World Cup, India and New Zealand faced off at the beautiful Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. India won the toss and opted to field first.

Batting first, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 273. Daryl Mitchell’s exceptional innings of 130 in a crucial 159-run partnership with Rachin Ravindra (75) helped them recover from a shaky start at 19/2.

Ravindra, despite some DRS appeals and lucky escapes, proved instrumental in New Zealand’s resurgence. Mitchell played aggressively against the spinners and reached a century in the 41st over. However, Mohammed Shami’s impressive five-wicket haul for India triggered a late collapse and restricted New Zealand.

Kuldeep Yadav also contributed with two key wickets, including New Zealand captain Tom Latham, who lost a review in the process. Glenn Phillips also tried to counterattack, but Shami, Bumrah, and Kuldeep ensured India’s dominance at the end. New Zealand finished at 273, setting up a target of 274 runs for the Indian team.

Chasing the target, India had a very good start as both Indian openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill added 71. Then in quick succession, both Rohit and Gill were dismissed after scoring 46 and 26 respectively. Shreyas came in and played a few good shots in his quick 33-run knock but could not prolong his inning.

KL Rahul also scored 27 but was dismissed by the guile of Mitchell Santner’s left-arm spin. However, at one end, India’s best batter and superstar Virat Kohli stood strong and kept scoring runs freely. He eventually led India to their fifth win of the tournament. India chased down the target in the 48th over, winning the match by four wickets. Kohli scored 95 runs and was dismissed in the 48th over. While Jadeja also played a good knock of an unbeaten 39 and finished the match for the Indian team.

Top Performers of the Match

Daryl Mitchell (130 of 127)

Mitchell came in to bat when his team was in some trouble after losing two early wickets. He showcased real patience initially and once his eyes were set, he showcased his ability to hit big shots and smashed nine fours and five huge sixes in his brilliant 130-run knock to help his team post a good total on the board.

Mohammed Shami (5/54, 10 overs)

Many cricket experts and fans had been advocating for Shami’s inclusion in the Indian playing 11 since the beginning of the tournament. However, the team management decided to go with Shardul Thakur instead. He finally got his chance to play and proved his worth by delivering a brilliant spell of ten overs, taking five important wickets and helping India restrict the Kiwis below 300.

What next?

Going ahead, India will play against England on October 29. While New Zealand will take on Australia on October 28.