Virat Kohli scored 95 runs off 104 balls to lead India to victory; New Zealand posted 273 runs before being all out against India for 273, thanks in large part to Daryl Mitchell’s blistering 130. The best online cricket betting sites in India and the latest Cricket World Cup news in one place? TopCricketBetting is the only cricket site you need!
Quick Recap: India vs New Zealand
Although he fell short of the objective, Kohli’s mature innings was vital in India’s reaching their win target of 274 with 2 overs to spare, preserving their undefeated tournament record. In a matchup of two undefeated teams, Mitchell hit a quick hundred before New Zealand were all out for 273.
India, having chosen to field, quickly dismissed both openers but then dropped 3 catches, letting New Zealand off the hook.
Shami: “The Start Was Important”
Mitchell put up 159 runs with Rachin Ravindra and New Zealand appeared to be on track for a 300+ total at 205-3 in the 37th over when the Indian bowlers put a stop to it. Mohammed Shami spearheaded that charge by scoring 5 wickets and 54 runs in his maiden tournament game.
India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, gave his team a rousing start, but it was Virat Kohli’s fourth 50+ score in five innings that ultimately proved decisive in India’s first-ever tournament loss to New Zealand.
Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell put up 161 runs for the third wicket to help New Zealand come back from being 19-2 down after India won the toss and chose to bowl.
Mitchell, a middle-order hitter for the Black Caps, hit a sensational knock of 73 runs, including five massive fours and a six, to help his team reach 273 runs before being dismissed by Shami, who finished with a total of 5-54.
Kohli Exits with a Marvelous 95(104)
In response, Sharma took the reins and smashed 46, putting together a 71-run partnership with Shubman Gill before the spotlight shifted to Virat Kohli.
With half-century stands from Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja (192-5), India’s chase was masterfully managed.
At the end of the 46th over, with 19 runs needed to win and 18 for Kohli’s three figures, a Kohli century appeared impossible. Kohli suddenly found himself in the nineties, falling short of Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI hundreds.
Kohli fails to connect with Henry’s delivery for a six, allowing Phillips to reach the landmark. Even so, his 95 should be plenty as Shami steps out to see this through and win the game for India.
Player of the Match: Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami, who took five wickets while also allowing only 54 runs, was named the game’s most valuable player. Three of Shami’s dismissals occurred in the final overs when the Kiwis were trying to get a big score that would get them close to 300.
The guys in black caps were limited to a score of 273, well below their target, thanks to Shami’s accurate bowling. Ultimately, it was Shami’s time that proved decisive, as New Zealand might have mounted a more formidable charge with 20 or 30 more runs to defend.
Score: India v New Zealand
| India | 274/6 | 48.0 overs |
| New Zealand | 273 | 50.0 overs |
| India won by 4 wickets | ||
Kohli’s attempted big shot in Matt Henry’s following over hit Glen Phillips, but the home audience resumed its jubilant chants when Jadeja pulled for four to seal the team’s fifth consecutive win and move them two points ahead of the rest of the league.
After India’s explosive start, New Zealand tightened the screws, and the chase could have gone in any number of directions if not for some calculated batting, spearheaded by Kohli’s 95. On Sunday, October 29, India will play England in Lucknow, while on Saturday, October 28, New Zealand will play Australia in Dharamsala.Stay up to date and get the best cricket odds across the best online cricket betting sites India at TopCricketBetting! Sign up and wager on all your favorite Cricket World Cup teams today!