India’s Virat Kohli achieved a historic milestone, notching up his 50th century, while fast bowler Mohammed Shami’s seven-wicket haul played a pivotal role as the unbeaten hosts triumphed over New Zealand by 70 runs in a high-scoring World Cup match on Wednesday, according to Reuters.
Kohli’s brilliant innings of 117, combined with a scintillating 105 by Shreyas Iyer, allowed India to post a formidable total of 397 for four wickets after winning the toss at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. They had previously clinched their second 50-over World Cup title at this venue in 2011.
In response, New Zealand, who had defeated India in the semifinals of the 2019 tournament, were dismissed for 327 in the 49th over, despite Daryl Mitchell’s superb knock of 134.
Man-of-the-match Shami remarked, “The wicket was very good, lots of runs were scored in the afternoon. It feels amazing. Last two World Cups, we lost in the semis. We wanted to do everything for this; (it was) one chance we didn’t want to let go,” Reuters reported.
The second semifinal between Australia and South Africa is set to take place at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on Thursday, with the final scheduled for Sunday in Ahmedabad, as reported.
Mitchell’s partnership of 181 with Kane Williamson kept New Zealand’s hopes alive. Still, Shami, who dismissed both openers, returned to claim the crucial wickets of the New Zealand captain and Tom Latham in a single over, swinging the game in India’s favour.
With seven wickets for 57 runs, Shami achieved his third five-wicket haul of the tournament, sealing India’s 10th consecutive win in the 50-over World Cup. Kohli’s century marked a record in the format, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar, while Shreyas Iyer’s explosive innings added late fireworks for India in their victory over New Zealand.
