Mitchell proud of Kiwi bowlers, hails ‘world class’ Kohli

Dharamsala (AFP): New Zealand batsman Daryl Mitchell on Sunday said he was proud of his team’s bowlers for putting up a fight in their World Cup loss to an India side inspired by “world class” Virat Kohli.

Mitchell’s 130 guided the Kiwis to 273 all out but the total proved insufficient as India chased it down with two overs to spare in Dharamsala.

Kohli hit 95 to lead the hosts to their fifth victory in as many matches and topple New Zealand, who lost their first match, from the top of the 10-team table.

New Zealand bowlers led by Lockie Ferguson took regular wickets but Kohli’s knock and his 78-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, who hit an unbeaten 39, tilted 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.”

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 meet five-time winners Australia on Saturday at the same venue.

New Zealand lost their openers to slip to 19-2 before Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra, a Kiwi of Indian origin who hit 75, put on 159.

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

“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 Indian quick Mohammed Shami rattled the opposition batting with figures of 5-54 in his first match of this World Cup.

Mitchell praised Shami and the Indian fast bowlers 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.”