In a dazzling display of masterful batting, India’s Virat Kohli etched his name in the annals of cricket history, notching up his 50th hundred in one-day internationals. Kohli’s sublime knock of 117 runs, crafted from 113 balls, not only propelled the unbeaten hosts to a formidable total of 397 for four wickets but also surpassed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the highest number of centuries in the 50-overs format.
The iconic Wankhede Stadium bore witness to this cricketing feat, with Kohli’s acknowledgment of the milestone marked by the removal of his helmet and a gracious bow towards the stands. Among the spectators applauding the achievement were none other than Tendulkar himself and former England football captain David Beckham.
Kohli’s innings, adorned with nine fours and two sixes, ultimately concluded when he was caught in the deep off the bowling of fast bowler Tim Southee, who claimed three crucial wickets for 100 runs.
Shreyas Iyer contributed a scintillating 105 runs off just 70 balls, injecting late fireworks into India’s innings with an impressive array of four fours and eight sixes.
India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, who won the toss and chose to bat, initiated proceedings with a dynamic 71-run opening stand alongside Shubman Gill. Despite Gill temporarily retiring hurt due to leg cramps, he later returned to the crease, finishing unbeaten on 80.
The venue, resonating with memories of India’s previous 50-overs World Cup triumph, has witnessed four day-night encounters in this tournament, with three victories for the team batting first.
India’s flawless record in the round-robin matches, securing nine consecutive victories, reflects their formidable form. Notably, they previously triumphed over New Zealand with a four-wicket win in Dharamsala. However, the Black Caps, having defeated India at the same stage in the 2019 edition, remain a resilient adversary.
As the cricketing spectacle unfolds at the Wankhede Stadium, anticipation builds for the second semi-final at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, where Australia and South Africa will clash. The grand finale is set to grace Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Team Line-ups:
India:
Rohit Sharma (capt), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wkt), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj
New Zealand:
Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson (capt), Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wkt), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
Umpires:
Richard Illingworth (ENG) and Rod Tucker (AUS)
TV Umpire:
Joel Wilson (WIS)
Match Referee:
Andy Pycroft (ZIM)
