In a spectacular display of skill and determination, the Indian cricket team secured their place in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final by defeating New Zealand in the semifinal clash of the tournament at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday (November 15). The match witnessed a stellar performance from Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, setting the stage for a memorable victory for the Men in Blue.
India’s dominant batting display
Opting to bat after winning the toss, India’s top order showcased their prowess, amassing a formidable total of 397-4 in their allotted 50 overs. Rohit Sharma set the tone with a brisk 47 off 29 deliveries, but it was the duo of Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli who stole the spotlight. Gill’s impressive 80 off 66 deliveries laid a solid foundation, paving the way for Kohli’s masterclass.
Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer’s blazing tons
Virat smashed breathtaking 117 runs off 113 deliveries that featured nine fours and two sixes, leaving the opposition in awe. Not only did Kohli guide India to a mammoth total, but he also etched his name in history by securing his 50th ODI century, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 hundred in the 50-over format. Shreyas Iyer played the perfect supporting role with a quickfire 105 runs off just 70 balls, forming a crucial partnership of 163 runs with Kohli after Gill unfortunately was retired hurt.
New Zealand’s rough chase and Daryl Mitchell’s resilience
Chasing a target of 398, New Zealand faced an uphill battle against a disciplined Indian bowling attack. Daryl Mitchell‘s valiant effort of 134 runs off 119 deliveries and Kane Williamson’s 69 off 73 provided some resistance. However, the fall of wickets at crucial junctures hampered New Zealand’s pursuit.
Mohammed Shami’s historic 7-fer
The dismissals of key players like Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, and others, courtesy of Mohammed Shami‘s historic spell of 7/57, proved to be decisive in India’s favour. The scoreboard reflected a challenging journey for the Kiwis, and they eventually were bundled out for 327 runs, loosing the contest by 70 runs.
Also WATCH: Daryl Mitchell hammers Ravindra Jadeja for the biggest six of ODI World Cup 2023 – IND vs NZ, 1st semifinal
Sweet revenge for India
This victory holds special significance for India as it marks their return to the ODI World Cup final after a hiatus since 2011. The Men in Blue also avenged the heartbreak of the 2019 edition, where they fell short of the ultimate glory and faced a setback at the hands of the Blackcaps in the semifinal.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
What a Shami-final!!!!!!
Well done India for a superb batting display and a spectacular bowling performance to get into the final. 😊😊😊#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/XtqZWQvcJT— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 15, 2023
Today’s Semi Final has been even more special thanks to stellar individual performances too.
The bowling by @MdShami11 in this game and also through the World Cup will be cherished by cricket lovers for generations to come.
Well played Shami!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 15, 2023
Enter into the final like a Boss.
What an electrifying display of cricketing prowess. All the best for the showdown.
Let’s get the cup. #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/aYueVQsu3H
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 15, 2023
Congratulations Team India on a brilliant win in the semi-final! 🇮🇳💙 One step away from lifting that magical trophy for the third time. ! 🏆🔥 #TeamIndia #WorldCup
— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) November 15, 2023
Indian team chauthi baar final mein teesre Vishwa cup ki talash mein… proud of you boys. 🇮🇳
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 15, 2023
Ahmedabad calling. After the odd period of uncertainty, it becomes another easy win. India have stormed into the final.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 15, 2023
INDIA IS IN THE FINAL!!
I repeat
INDIA IS IN THE FINAL!! ❤️🇮🇳#INDvNZ #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/74AbimJ7lA— DK (@DineshKarthik) November 15, 2023
Shami bhai 140 crore Indians are proud of you. Just one last hurrah and India will be World Champions @MdShami11 #Shami https://t.co/WRZsQ1l2MT
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) November 15, 2023
Well played Team India 👏🏽😄 #INDvNZ #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/t7mshVBW9E
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) November 15, 2023
Tremendous team triumph! 🇮🇳
And we enter the finals!👏🏾
Little hiccups were imperative in this contest, that happened in the middle. Now we are all set to win this edition!
This dominance is unprecedented! #YehCupHumaraHai#WorldCup2023— Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) November 15, 2023
एक और बार कहता हूँ … @MdShami11 आप कमाल हो !!!!! https://t.co/iET1yyNO1B
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) November 15, 2023
.@MdShami11 strikes gold!🔥🔥 Another 5w haul 👏🏾 This is the wicket India was hunting. @DazMitchell47 carried New Zealand’s hopes on his shoulders. A magnificent innings that kept New Zealand in the game! 👏#CWC23 #INDvNZ
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) November 15, 2023
What a sensational performance by #TeamIndia in the #CWC2023! The road to the finals has been nothing short of spectacular, and our boys have truly shone on the grand stage. 💙
Captain @ImRo45 and @ShubmanGill set the perfect foundation, and the legendary @imVkohli notched up… pic.twitter.com/wWsFHaSilT
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) November 15, 2023
10/10. Dus Ka Dum.
Well done, 🇮🇳
Indiaaaaa Indiaaaaa 🤗🤗🤗 #CWC23 #IndvNZ— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 15, 2023
Also READ: ‘Virat bhai ke aage koi bol sakta hai kya?’ – 10 most hilarious and creative placards displayed by the crowd during ODI World Cup 2023
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