India cruised into the World Cup final after defeating New Zealand by 70 runs in the first semifinal on Wednesday. The dominant performance puts India one step away from potentially the most dominant World Cup campaign ever.
Kohli Reaches the 50th ODI Century in Front of Tendulkar and Wife
Star batsman Virat Kohli reached the monumental milestone of 50 ODI centuries. He achieved the feat at Old Trafford in Manchester in front of both his wife and legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar, whom Kohli famously carried on his shoulders after India’s 2011 World Cup win. Kohli passed Tendulkar’s 49 ODI tons 12 years after that symbolic moment.
The first time I met you in the Indian dressing room, you were pranked by other teammates into touching my feet. I couldn’t stop laughing that day. But soon, you touched my heart with your passion and skill. I am so happy that that young boy has grown into a ‘Virat’ player.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 15, 2023
Iyer’s Blistering 67-Ball Century Propels India
Emerging batsman Shreyas Iyer smashed his second straight World Cup century, needing just 67 balls to reach triple figures. It was the third-fastest ODI century by an Indian in World Cup history.
Selfless Rohit Falls Short After Another Blazing Start
Opener Rohit Sharma once again set the platform for India’s massive total. His aggressive 47 off just 29 balls marked the ninth time this year he has fallen in the 40s, 80s, or 90s—the joint-most times in a calendar year.
India Post Highest Knockout Total in World Cup History
India’s 397/6 was the biggest-ever total in a World Cup knockout match. The venue, Old Trafford, showed the most variance in conditions, with no swing or seam in the afternoon but appreciable movement in the evening.
Mitchell’s Heroics in Vain as Shami Stars for India
New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell scored an improbable 134 off 119 balls, but it wasn’t enough. Pacer Mohammed Shami starred for India, taking 7-57 as India bowled the Kiwis out for 302 in the 49th over.
𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗿! 🏆#TeamIndia 🇮🇳 march into the FINAL of #CWC23 🥳#MenInBlue | #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/OV1Omv4JjI
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 15, 2023
