MS Dhoni is one of the best run-chasers the world has ever seen, and Virat Kohli is following the same path as was witnessed in the recently concluded third ODI in Mohali on Sunday. The duo scripted a third-wicket partnership of 151 runs, which played an important role in helping India win the match, and take 2-1 lead in the best of five ODI series. New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham praised Dhoni and Kohli for their brilliant innings.
New Zealand did play some good cricket to score 285 runs after they were 199 for the loss of eight wickets, but Neesham's half-century and Matt Henry' batting exploits helped them score 280-odd runs. They finished on a bright note, and started well with the ball as well, picking the India openers for just 41 runs.
But the scenario changed after Dhoni and Kohli began to weave their magic in Mohali. They looked in absolute control of the match. Even after Dhoni, who scored 80 runs from 91 balls, was out, Kohli continued his dominance with the bat, and made the run chase look easy. Kohli scored 134-ball 154 to help India cross the finishing line.
Neesham believes that they did not bowl too badly, but were outdone by the mastery of Dhoni and Kohli. The New Zealand camp were helpless as Dhoni and Kohli hit the good ball to the boundaries as well.
"I think we fought pretty hard with the bat in the first innings to get..in the end what was a slightly below-par total," Cricbuzz quoted Neesham as saying.
"To be fair, I dont think we bowled that badly in the second half of the game. The way Virat and MS batted was outstanding. When you are dealing with some of the best chasers in the history of the game, you got have a bit to go your way. I think we just have to keep trying and putting the ball in the right areas and hopefully that in the next game it comes to fruition for us."
With this win, India will hope to clinch the series when the two countries feature in the fourth ODI in Ranchi on Wednesday.
