ICC World Cup 2023: Shami and Kohli deliver India's fifth victory

DHARMASHALA: Team India continues their World Cup dominance with a fifth consecutive victory, making them the only unbeaten team in the tournament thus far. Mohammed Shami's exceptional five-wicket haul, paired with Virat Kohli's aggressive 95-run innings, secured India's four-wicket triumph over New Zealand.

The chase began with a fiery opening from Rohit Sharma, who set a strong tone for India's pursuit of the 274-run target. Rohit (46) and Shubman Gill (26) formed a solid 71-run partnership for the first wicket before Lockie Ferguson dismissed both of them within two overs. Subsequently, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer steadied the chase, with KL Rahul providing valuable support after Iyer's departure. However, Mitchell Santner's dismissal of Rahul and Surya Kumar Yadav in the following over left India at 191/5, seemingly in a dangerous situation. It was then that Jadeja and Kohli came together, stitching a vital 78-run partnership that ensured a comfortable victory for the men in blue. Kohli attempted to hit a six to reach his century but was dismissed at 95. Later, Jadeja (39*) and Shami finished the job, guiding India to a total of 274/6 in 48 overs.

During New Zealand's first innings, they got off to a sluggish start, with opener Devon Conway departing for a duck. The other opener, Will Young, also failed to make an impact. Rachin Ravindra (75) and Daryll Mitchell (130) then rescued their team with a remarkable 159-run partnership. However, once their partnership was broken, New Zealand began losing wickets at regular intervals, largely due to Mohammed Shami's five-wicket haul. Eventually, New Zealand managed to score 273 runs in 50 overs.

Following this defeat, New Zealand is set to face their arch-rivals, Australia, on October 28. Meanwhile, India's next match is scheduled against England on October 29.

Scorecard:

New Zealand: 273/10 (50 overs)

India: 274/6 (48 overs)