24 October,2016 11:47 AM IST | | Santosh Suri
More often than not, India have won an ODI match whenever Virat Kohli has scored a century. So was the case at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali yesterday
Virat Kohli celebrates India's victory in the third ODI match against New Zealand in Mohali yesterday. Pic/PTI
Mohali: More often than not, India have won an ODI match whenever Virat Kohli has scored a century. So was the case at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali yesterday. Kohli scored his 26th ODI hundred to ensure India overhaul a formidable-looking New Zealand total of 285 with seven wickets and 10 balls to spare to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
Of the 26 times that Kohli has scored a century, India have won the match on 22 occasions. Such has been his domination in international cricket.
Of course, one cannot forget the contribution of skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who came in to bat at No. 4 when India looked in trouble after losing both openers Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane cheaply.
Smart move
It was a brave decision by Dhoni to promote himself as the middle order is devoid of experienced batsmen. He and Kohli were in sublime form and matched each other stroke for stroke.
They put up a big partnership of 151 from 163 balls to revive India's hopes. Dhoni was severe on anything short. He hooked and pulled with aplomb and his three sixes gave glimpses of his old prowess of clearing the ropes with ease. This was a much-needed innings from Dhoni.
Kohli was just unstoppable on this day, especially after the departure of Dhoni for 80 from 91 balls. He just toyed with the New Zealand bowling to become only the second Indian to get an ODI century in Mohali after Dhoni's 139 not out in a successful chase against Australia in 2013.
No hiccups
He went on to get the highest ODI score to ensure that India did not face any hiccups on the way to victory. After the departure of Dhoni, Kohli took charge and with an unbeaten 97 run stand with Manish Pandey, saw India cross the line with consummate ease. !In fact, it would have been a mismatch had New Zealand's ninth wicket partnership not added 84 runs after it seemed they would struggle to get to 250. They were tottering at 199-8 and all seemed lost. But James Neesham and Matt Henry batted sensibly to put on 84 to give the total a healthy look. But in the end, it was not adequate enough in front of excellent batting by man of the match Kohli and his skipper Dhoni.
