Memorable Performances by Indian Players in ODI World Cup Wins Over New Zealand

In a highly anticipated clash in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup, unbeaten teams India and New Zealand will square off at Dharamshala’s HPCA Stadium. Their last encounter in the ODI World Cup was a riveting semi-final in 2019, ending in heartbreak for India.

Historically, India and New Zealand have met in ODI World Cups nine times, with New Zealand winning five times, India triumphing thrice, and one game ending in a no-result. Both teams have showcased their prowess in the current tournament, with New Zealand’s clinical performances against England, Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, and India’s remarkable victories over Australia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The stage is set for a showdown between two of the tournament’s best teams.

Curiously, India hasn’t beaten New Zealand in ODI World Cup matches since 2003. Ahead of this epic clash, we revisit five memorable performances by Indian players when they emerged victorious over New Zealand in ODI World Cups.

1. Kapil Dev’s 72 (1987 World Cup): Kapil Dev displayed his batting brilliance in the 1987 ODI World Cup against New Zealand. With India at 170-7, Kapil rescued the team by scoring an unbeaten 72 off 58 balls in Bengaluru, supported by Kiran More’s unbeaten 42. India’s total of 252-7 secured a 16-run win.
2. Sunil Gavaskar’s 103 (1987 World Cup): In the same tournament, Sunil Gavaskar’s scintillating 103 not out in 88 balls against New Zealand’s formidable bowlers, marked his first ODI century. His stellar innings helped India chase down 222 in just 32.1 overs.

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1. Chetan Sharma’s Hat-trick (1987 World Cup): Before Gavaskar’s century, Chetan Sharma made headlines in the first innings by securing a hat-trick against New Zealand. Sharma dismissed Ken Rutherford, Ian Smith, and Ewen Chatfield, becoming India’s first player to achieve a World Cup hat-trick.
2. Zaheer Khan’s 4 Wickets (2003 World Cup): Zaheer Khan delivered an outstanding bowling performance against New Zealand. He struck early by removing Craig McMillian and Nathan Astle and later dismissed Brendon McCullum and Chris Harris in quick succession. Zaheer claimed 4 wickets for 42 runs, helping India bowl out New Zealand for 146.
3. Kaif-Dravid Century Partnership (2003 World Cup): In the same match as Zaheer Khan’s exploits, Mohammad Kaif and Rahul Dravid formed a pivotal partnership of 100 runs after India’s top-order struggled. Kaif scored 68 off 129 balls, while Dravid contributed 53 off 89 balls as India won by seven wickets with nearly ten overs to spare.

The upcoming India-New Zealand clash in the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will be available for live and free streaming on mobile devices exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar.