Leaders across the political spectrum hailed Team India's crucial win over New Zealand in a top-of-the-table World Cup clash at the picturesque Dharamshala on Sunday. The win by four wickets saw the hosts take a giant step towards securing a semifinal spot in the quadrennial showpiece. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the congratulatory messages for Team India post the victory over the Kiwis, the likes of Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Sukhu and his former Karnataka counterpart Basavaraj Bommai, too, heaped praise on the hosts for coming out tops against the losing finalists from the last edition of the tournament. Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami Shine As India Beat New Zealand by Four Wickets, Continue Winning Run in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Taking to his official handle on X, Prime Minister Modi posted,

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tweet

Speaking to ANI after Ravindra Jadeja scored the winning runs for India, setting off wild scenes of jubilation in the stands at Dharamshala,

Anurag Thakur

Himachal CM Sukhu said to ANI, "It was the first time that the Devbhoomi was playing host to a World Cup match and the team made it all the more special with a spectacular victory. This is a victory not just for the team but for the country."

"It was a dazzling performance by the Indian team. I congratulate them on their spirited performance and victory. The crowds and the fans, including myself, thoroughly enjoyed the match," former Himachal CM and BJP leader Jairam Thakur told ANI.

Himachal Pradesh CM Jairam Thakur

Former Karnataka chief minister and BJP leader also posted from his X handle,

"What a phenomenal win! Huge congratulations to our team on a magnificent victory against New Zealand! Securing the pole position in the tournament is an incredible achievement. The fire within you is undeniable, and we have full faith that you will conquer every challenge en route to World Cup glory. Keep pushing yourselves to greatness! Good luck, champions!"

Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, whose record for the most number of centuries in ODIs was under threat while Virat Kohli was at the crease, also posted on the "befitting top-of-the-table clash".

Sachin Tendulkar Tweet

A five-for by paceman Mohammed Shami and another batting masterclass by 'Chase Master' Virat Kohli took India to a four-wicket win over the table-toppers. The victory saw India snap its 20-year losing streak to the Kiwis in ICC events. After winning the toss and asking the Kiwis to bat first, India were off to a flying start as they reduced New Zealand to 19/2 inside the powerplay.

However, a 159-run partnership between Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra (75 in 87 balls, with six fours and a six) helped the Kiwis make a strong comeback.

However, the Men In Blue brought themselves back into the game in the latter stages of the New Zealand innings as they bowled out the Kiwis for 273 runs in 50 overs. Shami (5/54) was the pick of the bowlers for India while Kuldeep Yadav (2/73) was also among the wickets. The new-ball pair of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj took a wicket apiece.

In pursuit of 274, India started off well with the opening pair of Rohit Sharma (46 in 40 balls, with four boundaries and four sixes) and Shubhman Gill (26 in 31 balls, with five fours) raising a 71-run stand for the first wicket. India did lose Shreyas Iyer (33), KL Rahul (27) and Suryakumar Yadav as their innings went along, but Virat Kohli (95* in 104 balls, with eight fours and two sixes) and Ravindra Jadeja (39* in 44 balls, three fours and a six) guided India to a four-wicket win with two overs to spare. ‘Was Not Hard To Sit Out As Team Was Doing Well’ Says Mohammed Shami After Taking Five Wickets in Win Over New Zealand at ICC CWC 2023.

However, Virat missed out on his second successive century of this World Cup, holing out in the deep with India in sight of a win. Lockie Ferguson (2/63) was the pick of the bowlers for NZ while Trent Boult, Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner got a wicket apiece. Shami was adjudged the 'Player of the Match' for his sensational five-wicket haul.

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