The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala witnessed a riveting clash between table toppers New Zealand and India on Sunday, October 22. India skipper Rohit Sharma was on a roll and put up a riveting show against New Zealand in their ODI World Cup clash.
Chasing a challenging total of 273 set by the Kiwis, Rohit Sharma unleashed his signature aggressive style of play during India's batting. The ball might have been showing movement due to seam conditions, but that didn't deter Rohit. Charging on the Kiwi bowlers Rohit crafted four exquisite boundaries and launched as many soaring sixes during his knock. Every stroke radiated the finesse and confidence that Rohit is renowned for.
However, just when it seemed like Rohit was set for a monumental score, he faced the formidable pace of New Zealand's Lockie Ferguson in the 12th over. Ferguson, known for his tearaway speed, delivered a slow, wide ball. Rohit, attempting to guide it, inadvertently played it onto his stumps. This dramatic dismissal saw him returning to the pavilion after notching an impressive 46 runs off just 40 deliveries.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE…
Ferguson didn't stop there and furthered his dominance to take Indian scoreboard from 70/1 to 76/2. In his very next over Ferguson returned to dismiss the dangerous looking Shubman. Shubman (26) played an upper cut on the second ball off Ferguson's over. But ended up handing an easy catch to centurion Daryl Mitchell, who was stationed at third man.
The match had its fair share of ebbs and flows. Winning the toss, India opted to field first, putting the Black Caps to bat. The Indian bowlers started off emphatically, sending back New Zealand's top order in quick succession. But Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra thwarted India's initial dominance. The duo compiled a massive partnership of 159 runs in a mere 152 balls. Mitchell's sublime 130 off 127 deliveries, peppered with nine boundaries and five sixes, was complemented by Ravindra's robust 75 off 87 balls.
But Mohammed Shami, who took a brilliant fifer, had other plans as he ripped through the New Zealand's batting line up and limited them to a total of 273.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
Gautam Gambhir blasts MSK Prasad-led selection panel for India's 2019 World Cup defeat: 'Worst in history of Indian cricket'
Rarest of rare! 'Gold medallist' Ravindra Jadeja drops regulation catch, wife Rivaba's reaction goes viral