Cricket Clash: India and New Zealand Set for Dharamsala Showdown in ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Match 21
On Sunday, October 22, India and New Zealand will face off at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, ODI Century at Dharamsala. marking the venue’s fourth game in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Despite a pitch offering true bounce and some movement for seamers, the ground has witnessed a decent number of runs. However, concerns have been raised about the outfield, which tends to release chunks of turf when fielders make sliding efforts.
India’s ODI record at the HPCA Stadium could be impeccable, with the Men in Blue winning only two out of four games played at this venue. Their last ODI appearance in Dharamsala against Sri Lanka resulted in a dismal performance, with India reduced to 29/7 before Sri Lanka secured a comfortable victory.
Notably, only one batter has achieved an ODI century in Dharamsala, and it’s none other than Virat Kohli. This remarkable feat dates back to the 2014 five-match series between India and West Indies, later shortened to four matches due to the visitors’ withdrawal amid a pay dispute with the West Indies Cricket Board (now Cricket West Indies).
Virat Kohli ODI Century at Dharamsala
During the third match of the series, Dwayne Bravo, West Indies skipper, chose to field after winning the toss. However, this decision backfired as Ajinkya Rahane and Shikhar Dhawan established a 70-run opening partnership for the hosts. Kohli then took control, playing a flawless innings of 127 off 114 deliveries, adorned with 13 fours and three sixes. This century marked his 20th in ODIs and was crucial, given his recent struggles during the England tour.
Teaming up with Rahane, who contributed 68 runs, Kohli formed a significant third-wicket partnership of 138 runs alongside Suresh Raina. Although India lost quick wickets towards the end, Kohli remained until the last ball, helping India reach 330/6 before getting run out.
Despite Marlon Samuels’ century for the West Indies, India’s collective bowling effort, featuring economic spells from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Axar Patel, restricted the West Indies to 271. This win secured a series victory for India, with a 2-1 lead, and Virat Kohli was awarded the Player of the Match.
In his three ODI appearances in Dharamsala, Kohli has notched 212 runs, making him the leading run-scorer at the venue in this format. His impressive average of 106.00, accompanied by one century and a half-century, positions him as a key player as India takes on New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup showdown on Sunday.