'Credit to...': Virat Kohli points out difference between India and New Zealand ahead of WC match

Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli praised New Zealand's solid foundation and steadfast consistency, attributing the Blackcaps' victories in the current World Cup to these qualities. As the two sides get ready for their much-awaited encounter, it's important to note that India and New Zealand have remained the only two unbeaten sides in the World Cup 2023 after 4 matches. However, in a few hours, one team's streak will be over.

3 things you need to know

• India vs New Zealand is scheduled to take place on October 22, 2023
• India and New Zealand are the only teams remaining who are yet to taste defeat in ICC ODI World Cup 2023
• It has been 20 years since India defeated New Zealand in an ICC event

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Virat Kohli hails New Zealand's consistency

As the subservient of the game, Virat Kohli never shies away from giving credit where it is due. The right-hander has always been respectful of Team India's opponents and this time he has laid out his thoughts on Men in Blue's next challenge in the waits in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, New Zealand. Kohli has praised the structure of cricket that the Kiwi team has adopted and termed their consistency as the reason behind their incessant success.

"They are a very professional side and a very structured side, they have a very structured way of playing their cricket. But within that structure, they have been very consistent and that has been the reason for their success. Credit to the side for the way that they are playing," Kohli told Star Sports.

He further highlighted that to beat New Zealand a side needs to find a way to out-wit them because they don't give anything away and eventually find themselves in a better spot.

"Any team that plays against them has to find a way to break their rhythm and playing to the best of their abilities which will eventually decide whether you can cope with their consistency or not because they are not a team that makes many mistakes. That's been their strength and at the international level if you don't make many mistakes then you have a good chance of winning the game more often," Kohli added.

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 CWC 2023: India vs New Zealand Preview

India and New Zealand have squared off 9 times in the ICC ODI World Cups. Out of these many matches, 5 have been won by New Zealand, whereas India have prevailed just 3 times, and one match ended in a no result. India's last victory against New Zealand in any ICC event came in 2003. In 2019, New Zealand inflicted a painful defeat of 18 runs to India in the semi-final of the ODI World Cup. Team India would be looking to avenge that defeat and Dharamsala will be the battlefield.