In a thrilling showdown at the 50-overs World Cup, Virat Kohli’s crafty 95 outshone Daryl Mitchell’s rapid 130, leading India to a gripping four-wicket win over New Zealand in a top-of-the-table clash.
Kohli’s masterful innings, though falling short of a century, played a pivotal role in India’s successful chase of a 274-run target, securing their undefeated streak in the tournament with two overs to spare.
New Zealand, having elected to bat, saw both their openers dismissed early. However, India’s fielding performance was marred by three dropped catches, allowing New Zealand to recover from a shaky start.
Mitchell then unleashed a blazing hundred, partnering with Rachin Ravindra (75) to build a formidable 159-run stand. At 205-3 in the 37th over, New Zealand seemed on track for a 300-plus total before the Indian bowlers applied the brakes.
Leading the bowling effort, Mohammed Shami made a spectacular return to the tournament with a remarkable 5-54 performance.
Skipper Rohit Sharma’s solid 46 contributed to India’s aggressive start, but it was Virat Kohli’s fourth 50-plus score in five innings that ultimately inflicted New Zealand’s first defeat in the competition.
This exhilarating match showcased cricket at its finest, with both sides demonstrating exceptional skills and tenacity. India’s victory cements their position at the top of the table, setting the stage for more exciting clashes in the 50-overs World Cup.
