Daryl Mitchell continued to serve as New Zealand’s dependable middle-order anchor, achieving his first-ever ODI World Cup century in a pivotal top-of-the-table clash against India in Dharamsala on Sunday, October 22. Mitchell reached his century in precisely 100 balls, providing New Zealand with hope for a competitive total after losing the toss at the picturesque HPCA Stadium.
In addition to this milestone, the prolific batter became only the second New Zealand batsman to score a World Cup century against India, with Glenn Turner being the previous Kiwi batter to achieve this feat in 1975 when he scored an unbeaten 114 against India in Manchester. Subsequently, New Zealand batters registered a total of 17 centuries, but none of them came against India.
This century also marked Daryl Mitchell’s first in the ODI World Cup and his fifth in the ODI format. The Rajasthan Royals batsman has displayed exceptional form in the World Cup 2023, scoring 48 runs against the Netherlands in Hyderabad and an essential unbeaten 89 against Bangladesh on a spin-friendly pitch in Chennai.
Mitchell who entered the fray at No. 4, joined forces with Rachin Ravindra when New Zealand found themselves at 19 for 2 in the 8th over. India’s bowling unit, which was missing Hardik Pandya, exhibited their prowess as Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami dismissed New Zealand’s openers, Devon Conway and Will Young, at a low cost.
Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra constructed a partnership of 159 for the third wicket
Nevertheless, Mitchell and Ravindra adopted a patient approach initially, gradually building their partnership and turning the tables on the Indian bowlers. Their 100-run partnership materialized in 102 balls, and they eventually established a remarkable 159-run partnership for the third wicket, which is the highest for New Zealand in a World Cup match against India.
Mitchell and Ravindra effectively disrupted the rhythm of the two Indian spinners, particularly Kuldeep Yadav, by refusing to allow them to settle. Mitchell, in particular, took on Kuldeep Yadav, striking two sixes in the left-arm spinner’s initial three overs, employing a smart strategy to counter India’s spin threat during the middle overs.
During his century innings, Mitchell cleared the boundary four times and found the fence on seven occasions. However, the young Rachin Ravindra, who had previously scored a century against England on his World Cup debut in Ahmedabad on October 5, narrowly missed out on his second century as he was dismissed for 75 by Mohammed Shami.
Let us look at how Twitter has reacted to this brilliant performance for Mitchell;
Brilliant innings by him, well deserved century
— Kirkett (@bhaskar_sanu08) October 22, 2023
Least innings to five ODI hundreds for New Zealand:
22 – Devon Conway
30- Daryl Mitchell
56 – Kane Williamson
64 -Nathan Astle— ????? ?? ??????? (@RankingRevolve) October 22, 2023
Daryl Mitchell has always impressed me with his ability to bat in the middle orders. He is such a solid player. Averages 50+ in both Test and ODI
Anyways, we too have stellar line up. We will chase the target. ????
— Baatein (@TeriMeriBaatein) October 22, 2023
Congratulations?
Well knock— GORDXROHIT (@gordxrohit) October 22, 2023
What a great achievement ?
— Don Cricket ? (@doncricket_) October 22, 2023
Today will be the first loss as well in CWC2023
— Muhammad S. Ali (@iamsufyanali) October 22, 2023
Bahut hi underrated player hai Daryl Mitchell#INDvsNZ #CWC2023
— ???? ????? (@wokeindian14) October 22, 2023
Scoring a World Cup century against India after 48 years is quite an accomplishment. Cricket fans must be thrilled with his performance.
— BharatCricket (@BharatEcricket) October 22, 2023
Aaap Mumbai aa rahe hai
— Shubham Shrivastav (@shubhshr28) October 22, 2023
