In a spectacular performance, India clinched their fifth consecutive victory at the ICC World Cup 2023, securing the coveted top position in the points table. Their latest triumph over New Zealand, though challenging, solidified their position at the forefront of the group standings. The match was anticipated to be a stern test for the hosts, and it certainly lived up to its billing. However, India managed to chase down New Zealand’s target of 274 with two overs to spare, placing them firmly in contention for the semi-finals.
Mohammed Shami’s remarkable five-wicket haul, in his first appearance of the tournament, played a pivotal role in preventing New Zealand from posting a total of 300 or more. Virat Kohli then steered the chase with poise and determination, leading India to a well-deserved victory, despite a few hiccups in the middle overs.
Shami’s brilliant performance, with figures of 5/54 in 10 overs, effectively nullified the advantage that New Zealand had gained from Daryl Mitchell’s impressive century, scoring 130 off 127 balls, which included nine fours and five sixes. Mitchell’s partnership of 159 runs off 152 balls with Rachin Ravindra, who contributed 75 runs, was a significant highlight of New Zealand’s innings.
Kohli, who scored 95 runs, narrowly missed a century by five runs. In a bid to reach the coveted three-figure mark and secure the victory, Kohli attempted a six but was caught near the boundary. Nevertheless, his innings added to his impressive tally of 69 ODI half-centuries. A century would have allowed him to equal Sachin Tendulkar’s world record of 49 ODI centuries.
ICC World Cup 2023 Points Table After India’s Win
India – 10 points (5 matches played, net run rate +1.353)
New Zealand – 8 points (5 matches played, net run rate +1.481)
South Africa – 4 points (4 matches played, net run rate +2.212)
Australia – 4 points (4 matches played, net run rate -0.193)
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Rising Teams and Struggles in the ICC World Cup 2023
Australia’s position in fourth place could be at risk if Pakistan, currently in fifth place with four points and a net run rate of -0.456, defeats Afghanistan. The remaining teams are all at two points, with their standings determined by their net run rates. Bangladesh (-0.784) holds the sixth position, while the Netherlands (-0.790) impressively secures seventh place. Sri Lanka (-1.048) is positioned eighth, while defending champions England (-1.248) languish in ninth place. Afghanistan (-1.250) is in tenth place, with the potential to rise to sixth if they manage to defeat Pakistan on Monday.
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