Virat Kohli drives India to victory in rain-affected ODI
· Sports · Indian Express, NDTV Sports
Virat Kohli top-scored with 74 off 51 balls as India chased a revised target of 143 in 32 overs, overcoming two rain breaks to win by five wickets in Auckland. Kohli's innings featured 11 boundaries, including elegant flicks and powerful pulls off Blair Tickner and Kyle Jamieson, with India reaching 147 for 5. Rohit Sharma fell for a false shot early, but Kohli's authoritative shotmaking guided India home with five wickets intact. India, batting first, posted 186 before rain reduced New Zealand's chase to 143 from 32 overs. The match featured a brief late stutter before India sealed the win. Kohli's arrival was greeted with riotous cheers after Rohit Sharma's early dismissal. His pulls were the highlights, but his flick shots provided the sturdy base of the innings. He flicked boundaries elegantly, emulating Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar, before the rain intervened twice, adding extra pace off the moist pitch. The victory came after India was 64 for 1 at the second rain break, wi
Why it matters
The win gives India a 1-0 lead in the ODI series against New Zealand, keeping their World Cup qualification path on track ahead of the Champions Trophy. Kohli's composed chase under pressure highlights his enduring form ahead of the ICC event.
Read the original report — Indian Express
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