DHARAMSALA, OCTOBER 22

Virat Kohli hit 95 as India chased down its target of 274 to beat New Zealand in a match between the only two unbeaten teams at the Cricket World Cup on Sunday.

Tournament host India won by four wickets after reaching its target with 12 balls left in Dharamsala, finishing on 274-6.

New Zealand was dismissed for 273 in 50 overs.

Tournament host India won by four wickets after reaching its target with 12 balls left in Dharamsala, finishing on 274-6.

New Zealand was dismissed for 273 in 50 overs.

Kohli came close to tying the record for most ODI hundreds, held by countryman Sachin Tendulkar with 49.

Kohli went for a six to get the record – and clinch the victory – but was caught near the boundary.

It was the Indians’ fifth straight win to open the tournament and they top the table. New Zealand is second after its first loss.

Rohit Sharma called correctly as India won the toss and opted to bowl.

New Zealand has beaten England, Netherlands, Bangladesh and Afghanistan while India has also notched up wins over Australia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya was unavailable for the table-topping clash because of a left ankle injury sustained in its previous game against Bangladesh in Pune. In his place, the hosts chose Suryakumar Yadav. India also brought in pacer Mohammed Shami for bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur.New Zealand was unchanged from its previous win over Afghanistan in Chennai. Star batsman and skipper Kane Williamson is still unavailable because of a thumb injury, and Latham led the side again in his absence.

(The Himalayan)