Indian captain Virat Kohli made a record-breaking 50th century in one-day international cricket, while Mohammed Shami took seven wickets to lead India to a 70-run victory over New Zealand in the World Cup semi-final. Kohli scored 117 runs, surpassing the record he shared with Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. Shreyas Iyer also contributed a quick 105 runs as India set a formidable total of 397-4, with Shubman Gill remaining unbeaten on 80. New Zealand, in response, had to chase their highest ever total in a World Cup semi-final and fell short, scoring 327 all out despite Daryl Mitchell’s impressive 134.
India, having won all their matches in the tournament so far, will now face the winner of the match between Australia and South Africa in the final on Sunday in Ahmedabad.
Mohammed Shami made early breakthroughs with the ball, taking two wickets in his first over. Although New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell formed a significant partnership of 181 runs, Shami’s exceptional bowling ultimately proved decisive. He dismissed key batsmen and ended with a career-best 7-57 figures.
Virat Kohli’s innings was particularly memorable, as he surpassed the mark of 49 centuries previously held by Tendulkar. His partnership with Iyer played a crucial role in India’s commanding total.
There was controversy over the pitch used for the match, which was revealed to be a used pitch instead of a fresh one. However, India’s batting display, led by Kohli and Iyer, proved to be too strong for New Zealand to overcome.
The match was witnessed by a capacity crowd of 33,000, which included football star David Beckham and saw chants of “Kohli, Kohli” as the Indian captain reached his century.
India’s victory sets up an exciting final showdown as they aim for their third World Cup title.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by /indidna staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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