World Cup 2023: Daryl Mitchell hails 'world class' Virat Kohli after defeat

Daryl Mitchell hailed New Zealand’s bowling effort despite falling short against India in a World Cup contest on Sunday. Mitchell applauded the bowlers for fighting even though they were outdone by a “world class” Virat Kohli.

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Mitchell’s 130 runs took the Black Caps to 273 all out but the total proved insufficient as India chased it down with two overs to spare in Dharamsala. It was largely possible due to Kohli who struck 95 runs.

India have now won five matches in a row at the World Cup as New Zealand lost their first match. Men in Blue occupy top spot in the points table.

New Zealand bowlers, led by Lockie Ferguson, took regular wickets but Kohli’s knock and his 78-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja, who hit an unbeaten 39, shifted the match in India’s favour.

“He’s a world class player and he’ll go down as one of the greats of the game for a reason,” Mitchell said.

“A very good knock under pressure I thought and although he didn’t get 100, he got his team across the line.”

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He added: “But yeah, look for us as Kiwis, we’ll just keep throwing punches, we’ll keep trying different things and we’ll keep trying to take wickets and I’m just really proud of our bowling unit tonight.

“For us, we’re really proud of our efforts and we look forward to taking on the Aussies in just under a week’s time.”

New Zealand will stay back in Dharamsala where they meet five-time winners Australia on Saturday.

New Zealand lost their openers early to slip to 19/2 before Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra hit 75, put together 159 runs.

Mitchell scored his fifth ODI ton and smashed nine fours and five sixes in his 127-ball stay that ended on the penultimate ball.

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“It was awesome back with ‘Rach’, he’s obviously in rich form at the moment and yeah, we were just having some fun out there and taking in what it is to be part of an amazing World Cup,” said Mitchell.

“To play at grounds like this and at crowds like this, it’s pretty special for us Kiwis who live on the bottom of the earth.”

New Zealand seemed to be cruising at 178/2 but Mohammed Shami rattled the opposition with figures of 5/54.

Mitchell praised Shami and the Indian seamers for pulling the Kiwis down from a position of strength.

“I thought the way India bowled was pretty special obviously,” said Mitchell.

“Shami got the rewards but also (Jasprit) Bumrah, and (Mohammed) Siraj, the way they took wickets probably held us back a little bit.”