‘Iske andar Williamson ki aatma aagayi’ – Fans react as Daryl Mitchell smashes brilliant century in ODI World Cup 2023 clash against India

The ongoing ODI World 2023 clash between the table-topper India and New Zealand at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala witnessed a brilliant batting display from Daryl Mitchell, who showcased his class as he notched up his maiden ODI World Cup century, rescuing New Zealand from a precarious situation against India. 

The star allrounder’s composed innings played a pivotal role in setting a competitive total for the BlackCaps, who had lost the toss earlier. Mitchell’s century was a masterclass in controlled aggression, taking 100 balls to reach this milestone. It was not only a significant achievement for him but also a historic one for New Zealand in World Cup encounters against India.

Mitchell became only the second New Zealand batter to score a century in a World Cup match against India since Glenn Turner’s 114* back in 1975. The right-handed batter has been in exceptional form during the 2023 World Cup, contributing a vital 89 not out against Bangladesh on a challenging spin-friendly pitch in Chennai and a solid 48 against the Netherlands in Hyderabad.

Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell stitched a 159-run stand for the 3rd wicket

Facing a challenging situation with New Zealand at 19 for 2 in the eighth over, Mitchell joined forces with Rachin Ravindra to form a crucial partnership. Together, they demonstrated exceptional resilience and gradually shifted the pressure back onto the Indian bowlers. Their 159-run partnership for the third wicket became the highest-ever for New Zealand in a World Cup match against India.

One of the standout aspects of their partnership was the calculated approach they employed against Indian spinners, particularly Kuldeep Yadav. Mitchell’s assertive approach included hitting two sixes against Kuldeep in the left-arm spinner’s initial three overs.

Daryl Mitchell ultimately reached his century with four sixes and seven boundaries, earning a standing ovation from his teammates. However, his partner in the middle, Rachin Ravindra, fell short of a century, getting dismissed for 75 by Mohammed Shami. Mitchell continued to bat till the end and played a brilliant knock of 130 runs off 127 balls which included 9 fours and 5 sixes. His innings helped the team to achieve a respectable total of 273 runs.

Here’s how fans reacted: