World Cup 2023 [WATCH]: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma passionately hug each other after India’s victory over New Zealand

The 21st match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 saw India emerge victorious against New Zealand in a thrilling encounter at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium courtesy of a stunning all-round performance. India’s victory not just marked their fifth consecutive win in the ongoing tournament but also the first World Cup triumph against the Blackcaps in 20 years.

Apart from India’s clinical performance, the match also witnessed a heartwarming moment unfold in the Indian dugout, where Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma passionately hugged each other after the win.

New Zealand’s decent start and Mohammad Shami’s fightback

Asked to bat first, New Zealand’s innings began with a stutter as Devon Conway departed early, scoring just 0 runs. However, Rachin Ravindra played a crucial innings of 75 runs from 87 balls. Daryl Mitchell was the standout performer for New Zealand, hammering a brilliant century, scoring 130 runs from 127 balls with nine fours and five sixes. Despite a late flurry of wickets, New Zealand managed to post a respectable total of 273 runs.

Mohammed Shami was the star with the ball for India and bagged a brilliant five-wicket haul for 54 runs. Kuldeep Yadav also chipped in with two wickets for 73 runs.

Indian batters display composure to guide India to victory

India’s response in pursuit of 274 was steady. Rohit (46), Shubman Gill (26), and Virat (95) laid the foundation for the chase. Virat’s impressive 95 runs from 104 balls was a masterclass in pacing an innings. Ravindra Jadeja also played a quick cameo of 39 and ensured that India reached the target with four wickets in hand.

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A heartwarming hug between Virat and Rohit

As the winning shot was struck by Jadeja, the cameras panned over to the Indian dugout, where an eruption of joy and jubilation took place. In the midst of this celebration, something truly special happened when Virat and Rohit shared a passionate hug with broad smiles on their faces, overjoyed by the hard-fought victory.

The beautiful moment of camaraderie was shared by the ICC across social media platforms and quickly went viral on the internet. Cricket fans and enthusiasts from around the world were moved by the display of friendship and unity between these two stalwarts of Indian cricket.

Here’s the video:

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