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India cruises into ICC Men's World Cup finals
Breaking Sachin Tendulkar's record for most hundreds in ODIs, Kohli achieved his 50th ton while Shami became the first bowler to bag three five-fors in a single World Cup edition
In a rematch of the 2019 World Cup semi-final, India faced New Zealand at Mumbai's famed Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, Nov. 15. India scored an impressive 397 for 4 in 50 overs during the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, owing to the masterful batting performances of Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, both of whom scored centuries.
Having won the toss, the Men in Blue chose to bat first. Captain Rohit Sharma gave the squad the ideal start. After he exited, Shubman Gill picked up the bat and struck fours and sixes. However, Gill experienced cramps and soon after retired hurt.
Breaking Sachin Tendulkar's record for most hundreds in ODIs, Kohli achieved his 50th ton of runs in the format. Interestingly, the master blaster was present in the stands to witness Kohli’s record-breaking innings.
Taking to social media, Tendulkar praised Kohli’s passion and skill and wrote, “I couldn’t be happier that an Indian broke my record. And to do it on the biggest stage - in the World Cup Semi-final - and at my home ground is the icing on the cake.”
Mohammed Shami single-handedly destroyed the opposing batting order in the second inning. He claimed seven wickets to stop New Zealand at 327 in 48.5 overs. An 181-run partnership between Kane Williamson (69) and Daryl Mitchell (134) was the high point of the New Zealand innings.
After finishing with amazing figures of 7/57, Mohammed Shami was declared player of the match and also became the first bowler to bag three five-fors in a single World Cup edition. “The focus was to vary the pace and see if they were hitting it in the air. The wicket was very good to bat, lots of runs were scored. It felt amazing after these kinds of performances. Last couple of World Cups, we lost in the semis. So, we wanted to do everything for this, this is the only chance we didn't want to let go of this," Shami said.
Notably, India has won 10 straight games and advanced to their first World Cup final in 12 years courtesy of an all-round performance by the team.
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