Delhi opener Virat Kohli cracked a patient unbeaten 120 to help India post a seven-wicket win against New Zealand in the Emerging Players Trophy at Brisbane.
MELBOURNE: Delhi opener Virat Kohli cracked a patient unbeaten 120 to help India post a seven-wicket win against New Zealand in the Emerging Players Trophy at Brisbane.
Chasing a challenging 249, Kohli teamed up with his Delhi team mate Shikhar Dhawan (55) to lay a strong foundation and then stitch a 128 run-partnership with Manoj Tiwary (60 not out) for the unfinished fourth wicket to wrap up the match with nine overs to spare.
India made 251 for three in 41 overs in reply to New Zealand's 248 for six in their stipulated 50 overs after captain S Badrinath chose to field first.
When Kohli and Dhawan were enjoying a free hand at Kiwi bowlers, the latter fell prey to a Bradley Scott delivery and returned to pavilion at team score of 93 for 1.
But Kohli, who had led India to Under-19 World Cup triumph earlier this year, held one end together even as next batsmen Badrinath (4) and Suresh Raina (0) failed to lend him much support as India were reduced to 123 for 3.
Tiwary, however, held on to his nerves and did the needful by hitting a half century to help India romp home with nine overs to spare.
Earlier, Indian bowlers impressed with their combined effort as they made it difficult for the New Zealanders to score freely. Opener Martin Guptill stood tall among the ruins striking 112 to propel his team to 195-4.
Greg Hay was another significant contributor with a useful 44.
In another match today, Australia beat South Africa by two wickets.
Brief Scores:
India Emerging Players 3 for 251 (Kohli 120 not out, Tiwary 60 not out, Dhawan 55) beat New Zealand Emerging Players 6 for 248 (Guptill 112) by seven wickets.
Australian Institute of Sports 8 for 235 (Hill 74 not out, Parnell 3-33) beat South Africa Emerging Players 234 (Hill 3-39) by two wickets.
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