NEW DELHI: India ended a 20-year jinx against New Zealand in ICC tournaments, securing a memorable four-wicket victory in the ongoing 2023 ODI World Cup on Sunday. Riding on the indomitable innings of Virat Kohli, who played a valiant knock of 95, India successfully chased down a competitive target of 274 runs with 12 balls to spare.
The encounter at Dharamsala saw New Zealand being sent in to bat first, and it seemed as if they were on course for a 300-plus total. This was largely due to the exceptional partnership forged by Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra, who put on a phenomenal 159-run stand for the third wicket. Mitchell's remarkable century, 130, and Ravindra's contribution of 75 put New Zealand in a strong position.
However, it was India's resurgence in the death overs, led by the exceptional Mohammed Shami, that altered the course of the game. Shami displayed his prowess with the ball, claiming five wickets for 54 runs, which was his record second five-wicket haul in ODI World Cup. This stellar bowling performance, combined with collective efforts from the Indian team, led to New Zealand being bowled out for a total of 273.
This victory carries immense significance for Indian cricket as it marks their first win over New Zealand in the ODI World Cup since 2003. In fact, it is the first win in all ICC tournaments that have taken place over the past two decades, encompassing two T20 World Cups, one ODI World Cup, and the World Test Championship, since India's victory against the Kiwis in the 2003 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
1/10:World Cup: Kohli hits 95 as unbeaten India down New Zealand
2/10:Chasemaster Kohli
<p>Virat Kohli led India to a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the World Cup with a remarkable innings of 95.</p>ANI
3/10:Kohli missed Tendulkar's record
<p>Virat Kohli narrowly missed equalling Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 one-day international centuries.</p>Reuters
4/10:Shami strikes on his return
<p>Mohammed Shami was the star bowler for India, taking 5-54, helping to bowl New Zealand out for 273.</p>Reuters
5/10:Five wins on the trot
<p>India chased down the target with 12 balls to spare in Dharamsala, securing their fifth win in five World Cup matches.</p>PTI
6/10:Mitchell's terrific knock
<p>New Zealand, with Daryl Mitchell's brilliant 130, posted 273, but suffered their first loss in the tournament.</p>AFP
7/10:Crucial partnership
<p>Kohli's superb form was evident as he led partnerships, including a vital 78-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja.</p>AP
8/10:No 49th ton for Kohli
<p>Kohli's innings was terminated at 95 by Matt Henry, just five runs short of his 49th ODI century.</p>ANI
9/10:India batters shine
<p>The match also featured strong contributions from Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer.</p>AP
10/10:Shami's fifer made the difference
<p>Mohammed Shami's five-wicket haul played a pivotal role in India's victory, containing New Zealand's scoring in the final 10 overs.</p>India's win in this encounter has also improved their head-to-head record in ODI World Cup matches against New Zealand to 4-5 in 10 encounters, with one game having been abandoned.
This triumph is a momentous occasion for Indian cricket, breaking a long-standing spell of disappointments in ICC tournaments against New Zealand. Over the past 20 years, India had faced defeats on multiple occasions, including the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2016 T20 World Cup, the 2019 ODI World Cup, and the 2021 World Test Championship final. It is a victory that signifies not only a change in historical narratives but also India's unwavering commitment to success on the global cricketing stage.
As the 2023 ODI World Cup unfolds, India's remarkable victory against New Zealand will boost their campaign further.
