Virat Kohli failed to draw level with Sachin Tendulkar’s record 49th century, falling short by five runs in Dharamsala but a masterful knock of 95 runs ensured that India beat New Zealand by four wickets on Sunday to pick up their fifth win in a row at the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. India picked up a historic first win over the Kiwis since 2003 in ICC events, ending a 20-year jinx in some fashion as the Men in Blue leapfrogged the Black Caps to go top in the World Cup points table.
Kohli was at his best at the HPCA Stadium, and even though he remains on 48 ODI centuries for now, the two massive points give will the Indian team a world of confidence for ending their decade-long ICC trophy drought.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian team, and social media exploded with congratulatory messages for Virat and Rohit Sharma’s Men in Blue after a hard-fought win.
ICC World Cup: Schedule | Results | Points Table | Most Runs | Most Wickets
Former Indian cricketers Sachin, Virender Sehwag, Irfan Pathan, and Wasim Jaffer all praised Virat, along with his beloved RCB, and other IPL franchises also poured in their wishes.
Check best reactions:
Congratulations to the Indian cricket team on their splendid victory against New Zealand! It was a splendid team effort where everybody contributed. The dedication and skill on the field was exemplary.— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 22, 2023
What an astounding victory!!A big round of applause to our cricket team for winning today’s World Cup match against New Zealand. Kudos to @imVkohli for his stellar performance that led to this glory. The country stands by you on your path to winning #WorldCup2023.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 22, 2023
What a befitting top of the table clash! #TeamIndia has showcased their prowess and resilience to claim the top spot. @MdShami11‘s five-wicket haul was top notch, and good to see the batters, especially @imVkohli, displaying both aggression and astuteness to chase this total.… pic.twitter.com/RNIw6mxb37— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 22, 2023
Huge congratulations to #TeamIndia on their stunning 5th consecutive win in #CWC2023! @MdShami11‘s 5-wicket haul, @imVkohli‘s and @imjadeja’s brilliant batting anchored the victory. Let’s maintain this winning momentum and march ahead! @BCCI pic.twitter.com/xwYGiFneAG— Jay Shah (@JayShah) October 22, 2023
, ‘ #PlayBold #INDvNZ #CWC23 #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/ieZKk2RHr8— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) October 22, 2023
Ever wondered what belief means to Indian cricket fans? This. pic.twitter.com/SF95nb5iGG— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) October 22, 2023
Ek taraf @imVkohli to dusri taraf duniya ke saare batsmen, Virat sabse aage. #ViratKohli— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 22, 2023
Well chased once again @imVkohli #INDvNZ #CWC2023 pic.twitter.com/ZhV8p95kut— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) October 22, 2023
Great win. King Kohli doing it in grand style but it was an outstanding spell from Shami that restricted NZ to 273. Closest match for us and a wonderful win. pic.twitter.com/FVyRHOzFjt— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 22, 2023
Kohli came out to bat when India had lost captain Rohit Sharma after the Hitman scored 46 runs but missed out on a well-deserved half-century for a second game in a row.
ALSO READ | ICC ODI World Cup 2023, India vs New Zealand: A Fielding Effort of Two Contrasting Halves in Dharamsala
Wickets continued to fall from the other end, but Virat kept his eyes on the target and slowly but steadily he helped India over the line, only falling short by five runs looking to hit a six to reach his century but Glenn Phillips completed the catch as the Dharamsala Stadium was stunned in silence.
Nonetheless, the former Indian captain did his job and his knock ensured that India remain the only unbeaten team in the ODI World Cup 2023 so far with five wins in the bag.
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