Kohli powers India home with unbeaten 154 against New Zealand

Mangalore Today News Network

Mohali Oct 24, 2016: India beat New Zealand by seven wickets in the third ODI played at Mohali on Sunday. With this victory, India take a 2-1 lead over New Zealand in the five-match series. Virat Kohli led from the front as he smashed 22 runs from the 47th over bowled by Trent Boult and ended his innings unbeaten at 154. Indian chased down New Zealand’s total of 285 runs with 10 balls to spare.

 

Earlier Jimmy Neesham (57) and Matt Henry’s (39) ninth wicket partnership of 84 runs recovered New Zealand’s innings which were tottering at 199/8. Their partnership ensured that New Zealand set up a total of 285 runs for India to chase.

Kohli was dropped on 6 by Ross Taylor in the fifth over which proved to be costly for the kiwis. India were at 41/2 when MS Dhoni came in at number four to join Virat Kohli. The two put up 151 runs for the fifth wicket that set the tone for India’s victory. MS Dhoni became the fourth Indian and third wicket keeper overall to have scored 9000 runs in one day internationals.

Dhoni (80) was then dismissed by Matt Henry. But that would be the last time New Zealand celebrated in Mohali as Manish Pandey (28*) and Virat Kohli put up 97 runs for the fourth wicket.

This was Kohli’s 26th ODI century which makes him fourth in the all-time list of the most hundreds in ODI cricket. India and New Zealand will now travel to Dhoni’s home town Ranchi for the fourth match in the series to be played on October 26. This will be followed by the final match that will be played at Vishakhapatnam.