New Zealand lost their first game of the ODI World Cup 2023 on Sunday to India by 4 wickets. Ahead of the game the two teams had played four games and won all four. The next opponents for New Zealand are Australia in Dharamshala on Saturday. Ahead of the big game, the Kiwi team went to visit spiritual leader Dalai Lama.
Dharamshala is not only known for its amazing cricketing facilities but also is a religious hotbed. Dalai Lama is a very influential figure and the much revered figure has blessed the New Zealand team.
The game on Saturday will be a day game with massive importance for both teams. Australia is set to embark on a huge week of cricket which is crucial to their chances in the ODI World Cup 2023 tournament.
New Zealand heads to meet Dalai Lama in Dharamshala –
After their four-wicket loss to India on Sunday, the New Zealand team has stayed back in Dharamshala. Tom Latham and his side will next play against Australia in the 27th game of the ODI World Cup at the same venue.
Ahead of the big Trans- Tasman clash on Saturday the Kiwi team was seen visiting the influential Dalai Lama. There is a short 27-second video doing the rounds on Twitter uploaded by news agency ANI.
#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh | New Zealand Cricket Team arrives at the residence of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama in McLeod Ganj to meet him. pic.twitter.com/FWucnpHmbP
— ANI (@ANI) October 24, 2023
HHDL meeting with players and their families of the New Zealand cricket team at his residence in Dharamsala, HP, India on October 24, 2023. Photo by Tenzin pic.twitter.com/laKILNpAqo
— Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) October 24, 2023
Kane Williamson can be seen getting out of the van followed by Lockie Ferguson and the rest of the players. New Zealand’s team members could be seen getting welcomed inside the gates to spend some time with the great man.
Daryl Mitchell scored an impressive 130 which was his fifth ODI century. Rachin Ravindra played the perfect foil by scoring 75 runs from 87 balls as the two took on the Indian bowlers. New Zealand were eventually bowled out for 273 as Mohammed Shami picked five wickets for 54 runs.
Chasing 274 to win, Rohit Sharma with 46 and Shubman Gill with 26 gave the Indians a great start. Virat Kohli was the main man for India with the bat as he scored 95 runs from just 104 balls.
The former Indian skipper tried to get to his 49th ODI ton in style only to be caught in the dying moments of the game. Ravindra Jadeja then hit a four to win the game for India as he stayed not out on 39.
