2023 World Cup: Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar expressed the significance of India’s victory over New Zealand at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala during the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. India managed to secure a hard-fought 4-wicket win in this crucial match.
2023 World Cup
In an interview with Star Sports following the match, Gavaskar emphasized the importance of the situation and how India successfully navigated it. India was able to chase down 274 runs with four wickets remaining and two overs to spare.
Gavaskar praised Virat Kohli for his composure and confidence in such pressure situations, stating, “This was a very important situation from which to come through. And Kohli ensured that calmness which is tremendous, which gives you confidence if a similar situation occurs with a more demanding asking rate, as he will still be able to deliver.”
Furthermore, Gavaskar commended Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja for his performance in the match. Jadeja played a crucial role by scoring an unbeaten 39 runs from 44 balls, ultimately guiding India to a vital victory in Dharamshala. Gavaskar said, “At 200, with 60-70 runs still needed, it was a bit difficult. But you know, the temperament of Virat Kohli, chase master, was there. But for Jadeja to come in and the way he played was really heartening for all the Indian fans.”
In the first innings, New Zealand set a target of 273 runs, thanks to a remarkable century by Daryll Mitchell, who became the first Kiwi batter to score a hundred against India in ODI World Cups in 48 years. Mohammed Shami was the standout bowler for India, claiming a five-wicket haul.
In response, Kohli contributed 95 runs, while captain Rohit Sharma and Jadeja added 46 and 39 runs, respectively, leading India to their fifth consecutive victory in the 2023 World Cup.
With this win, India ascended to the top of the World Cup 2023 points table, accumulating 10 points from five matches and boasting a net run-rate of +1.353.
