A resilient Indian team showcased their dominance in the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup by clinching their fifth consecutive victory, defeating New Zealand in a thrilling encounter in Dharamsala. Led by the brilliance of Virat Kohli, who scored an impressive 95, the hosts successfully chased down a target of 274 with four wickets in hand and 12 balls to spare in a chilly night on Sunday.

Kohli's innings was a masterclass as he took India closer to victory and fell just short of equaling Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most hundreds in the 50-over format. However, his dismissal in the 48th over by Glenn Phillips, caught at deep mid-wicket, couldn't dampen India's spirits as they were already on the verge of victory, needing just five more runs.

The match started with India winning the toss and electing to bowl. Their decision paid off as the bowlers made early inroads, removing both New Zealand openers early on. Devon Conway was caught by Shreyas Iyer at square leg off the bowling of Mohammed Siraj. Will Young was dismissed by Mohammed Shami, who was playing his first game of the tournament, getting his wickets knocked over. At 19/2 in 8.1 overs, New Zealand found themselves in a spot of bother.

However, New Zealand fought back with a formidable partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell. The duo put on a massive 159-run stand for the third wicket, setting a solid platform for a big total. Ravindra got a reprieve early in his innings when Ravindra Jadeja dropped a straightforward catch at backward point. He went on to score 75 before being dismissed by Shami. Mitchell also made India pay for their missed opportunities as he powered his way to his career-best knock of 130, which included five sixes and nine fours.

At one stage, it seemed like New Zealand would reach a total of 300-plus when they were cruising at 243/4 in the 45th over with Mitchell still at the crease. However, India's bowlers staged a remarkable fightback, taking regular wickets and restricting the Kiwis to 273. Shami was the standout performer, claiming a five-wicket haul and becoming the leading wicket-taker for India in World Cup history.

India's run chase began with a blazing start from openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Rohit, in particular, showcased his power-hitting abilities by smashing four sixes and an equal number of boundaries in his quickfire 46. Although he was bowled by Lockie Ferguson, the opening pair had already added 71 runs to India's total. Gill was also dismissed soon after, leaving India at 76/2.

Kohli then took charge and formed crucial partnerships with Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. Kohli and Iyer steadied the chase with a 52-run stand before Iyer fell to Trent Boult in the 22nd over. The match witnessed a rare occurrence when play was halted due to fog. Despite a few hiccups, Kohli found support in Rahul and the duo added 54 runs to keep India in the hunt.

New Zealand fought back by removing Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav in quick succession, but Kohli stood tall. Although he missed out on a century, falling for 95, he played a crucial role in putting India in a winning position. Ravindra Jadeja then guided India to victory with an unbeaten 39, hitting the winning runs with a boundary off Matt Henry's bowling.

With this win, India secured their first victory against New Zealand in the World Cup since 2003 and moved to the top of the standings with 10 points, two more than their opponents. The Indian team displayed their prowess in both batting and bowling departments, with Kohli's batting prowess matching the stature of Mohammed Shami's bowling excellence.

This victory further cements India's position as one of the favorites in the tournament and sets them on a path towards a successful campaign in the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup.