ICC Men’s ODI World Cup: ‘One step away’ – Reactions as India beat New Zealand to enter final

While Kohli and Iyer’s centuries helped India post a mammoth total of 397, Shami’s seven-for is the best-ever performnace by an Indian bowler in a World Cup.

Nov 16, 2023 - 00:30
ICC Men’s ODI World Cup: ‘One step away’ – Reactions as India beat New Zealand to enter final

Virat Kohli scored a record-breaking 50th One-Day International century before Mohammed Shami took a sensational seven wicket-haul as India sealed a place in the 2023 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup final with a 70-run win over New Zealand in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Kohli made 117, to surpass the ODI century record he had shared with India great Sachin Tendulkar, and Shreyas Iyer a rapid 105 in a commanding total of 397/4 that also featured Shubman Gill’s 80 not out.

New Zealand were left needing to break their own record for the highest total by a team batting second to win a World Cup semi-final º a Duckworth/Lewis adjusted 299/6 against South Africa at Auckland in 2015.

But in-form paceman Shami took a career-best 7/57 as New Zealand, the losing finalists at the last two World Cups, were dismissed for 327 despite Daryl Mitchell’s 134, his highest score at this level.

India, who’ve won all 10 of their matches at the tournament so far as they bid for a third World Cup title and second on home soil, will face either Australia or South Africa, who play on Thursday, in Sunday’s final in Ahmedabad.

“I still believe in pitching it up and getting wickets with the new ball,” said Shami. “I dropped a catch off Kane Williamson,...

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