Mumbai: In a nail-biting encounter at the ICC World Cup 2023 semifinal, India beat New Zealand in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last ball. The battle between these cricket powerhouses showcased extraordinary skills, determination, and sportsmanship, leaving spectators in awe.
Opting to bat first, India faced a formidable New Zealand bowling attack led by Southee. The Indian batsmen, however, displayed resilience, with capitan Rohit Sharma leading the charge. Despite challenging conditions, they managed to set a competitive target of 397 runs on the board. Though Rohit Sharma got out at 47 runs, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli countered Kivis bowlers efficiently. Gill scored 80 runs not out and Virat Kohli scored 117 runs and beat the record of Each in Tendulkar’s 49 ODI centuries. Shreyas Iyer played a crucial knock and scored a century. He scored 105 runs in just 70 balls which made India to set a huge total.
New Zealand’s response was led by their batsman, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra got out a little early. Conway lost his wicket after scoring 13 runs. It was Shammi who broke the crucial opening pair. Rachin was also caught behind for 13 runs in Shammi’s bowling.
Captain Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchel played masterclass innings. The duo exhibited masterful strokes and built a solid foundation. Mitchell played an outstanding knock and completed centuries. The duo created panic across the stadium playing huge shots. Target of 398 once seemed very easy for New Zealand.
The duo added 181 partnership until Williamson was out in Shammi’s magical bowl in 32 over. Later Tom Latham was out for duck in the same over. Shammi started his magic with the ball and started taking consecutive wickets. Mitchell was caught in the deep by Ravindra Jadega in Shammi’s bowling which turned the face of the match.
The New Zealand team was bowld for 327 runs with seven balls left. India created history by winning the world cup semi final for the fourth time. India will play the World cup final on Sunday at Ahmedabad with the team which won the second semi finals scheduled at Kolkata on Thursday.
