IND vs NZ, 1st Semi-Final Review: India break Kiwi jinx to enter final
The semifinal match of the ongoing ODI World Cup took place at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where India and New Zealand faced off and the Indian juggernaut rolled on as India won by 70 runs to advance to finals.
India won the toss and elected to bat first and it was once again Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill who produced a flying start in the first innings and managed a 50-plus run stand. Tim Southee broke the partnership as he dismissed Rohit for 47 runs.
Thereafter, Shubman Gill scored a half-century and managed to produce another crucial partnership with Virat Kohli. The young opener had to retire hurt at 79 after suffering a groin injury. The hosts thoroughly dominated the New Zealand bowling attack, with centuries from Kohli and Shreyas Iyer propelling the team to an imposing total of 397/4.
Kohli amassed 117 off 113 deliveries, including nine boundaries and two maximums to notched up his 50th and record ODI ton. Meanwhile, Iyer smashed his second consecutive century in the ongoing tournament, smashing 105 off just 70 balls.
For New Zealand, Tim Southee claimed a three-wicket haul within his full ten over quota. Southee, unfortunately, found himself on the wrong side of statistics, giving away 100 runs. Meanwhile, Trent Boult picked up one wicket for 86 runs.
Chasing the target, New Zealand struggled in their chase, making just 46 runs after the first power play. Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson added 181 runs for the second wicket, but Mohammed Shami’s two crucial wickets in one over changed the game.
Mitchell fought hard, scoring 134 off 199 balls, but it wasn’t enough as India won by 70 runs. Mohammed Shami was the best bowler, taking 7/57 in 9.5 overs and helped India to take the revenge of 2019 loss and reach the final of the marquee event in 2023.
Top Performers of the Match
Daryl Mitchell (134 of 119)
Daryl Mitchell displayed exceptional batting skills during the run chase. His partnership with captain Kane Williamson posed a real threat to the Indian team. However, the Indian bowlers managed to contain the situation, ultimately securing the win. Mitchell batted incredibly well, scoring 134 with nine fours and seven sixes to become the Kiwis close to the target.
Mohammed Shami (7/57, 9.5 overs)
Throughout the tournament, Mohammed Shami has been a standout performer for the Indian team. He consistently took crucial wickets at pivotal moments. Despite dropping captain Williamson earlier in the match, Shami recovered and delivered a brilliant over, claiming two wickets. He finished the match with a record seven wickets, becoming the best Player of the match.
What next?
New Zealand will go home, while India will take on the winner of the second semi-final on November 19th.
