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'Job Is Half Done...,' Rohit Sharma Reflects on India’s Clinical Win Over New Zealand

image-lo1rwqkgMohammed Shami was the star for India with the ball in hand. (AP)

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma praised Mohammed Shami and Virat Kohli for their remarkable performances in India's win over New Zealand in Dharamsala on October 22.

Mohammed Shami's exceptional five-wicket haul played a pivotal role in India dismissing New Zealand for 273 runs, despite Daryl Mitchell's first World Cup century. Kohli, Rohit, and Ravindra Jadeja then guided India to chase down the 274-run target. While Kohli nearly secured his second consecutive century of the tournament, he was dismissed for 95 by Matt Henry.

Earlier, Rohit, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul also made valuable contributions with the bat.

Rohit reflected on the team's performance in the post-match presentation, stating, 

"I think it's a good start to the tournament. We know that the job is half done. Shami took the opportunity with both hands, the way he bowled. He has got class. The way he bowled, bowling in these conditions; he bowled really well. I've got to give credit to our bowlers at the backend. They managed things nicely, and restricting them to around 270 was a good effort in the end."

India's chase of the challenging total of 274 began strongly, with openers Rohit Sharma (46) and Shubman Gill (26) forming a solid partnership of 71 runs for the first wicket.

Rohit expressed his satisfaction with his partnership with Gill, highlighting their different playing styles that complement each other.

"I am enjoying my batting with Gill. Both of us are different personalities, different ways of playing as well. We complement each other in the middle. Couldn't get big enough runs for the team but happy that the team won," Rohit added.

Kohli played a vital role in the run chase with his 95-run innings, while Jadeja provided crucial support with an unbeaten 39 runs, securing India's victory.

Rohit further commended Kohli for his performance, stating, "He (Kohli) backed himself to do the job, but towards the end, there was pressure. We lost a couple of wickets, but Kohli and Jadeja pulled us back."

This victory allowed India to avenge their loss to New Zealand in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final. It marked India's first World Cup win against New Zealand since 2003.