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Shami, Kohli, and Rohit's Unforgettable Achievements...
The Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, is poised for a historic moment, needing just one more win to clinch the ODI World Cup 2023. Reflecting on their semi-final victory against New Zealand, Rohit Sharma admitted to some fielding lapses. He commended Daryl Mitchell and skipper Kane Williamson for their remarkable 181-run partnership in the ICC Cricket World Cup. If India secures a win in the final on Sunday, it will mark their third ODI Cricket World Cup triumph.
India's triumph over New Zealand in the Cricket World Cup semi-finals at Wankhede Stadium showcased Mohammed Shami's impressive seven-wicket performance and marked a milestone for Virat Kohli with his record 50th ODI century. The team secured a convincing 70-run victory in this memorable encounter.
Rohit mentioned that playing on this ground is always tricky, and no score is safe. He emphasized the importance of getting the job done quickly and staying focused. Despite admitting some mistakes on the field and the strong partnership between Mitchell and Kane, he expressed satisfaction with the team's calm approach in handling the pressure.
It's tough to say if a 30-40 run difference would have put us in trouble. The Kiwis wouldn't have taken risks then. Williamson and Mitchell batted exceptionally. Staying calm was crucial; even though the crowd went silent, we knew a catch or run-out was needed. Shami's performance was outstanding. The form of our top batters, especially Iyer and Gill, has been impressive throughout the tournament. Gill unfortunately had to leave the field due to cramps.
Kohli did his thing and reached his century milestone. In the England game, our bowlers were impressive with the new ball despite putting up 230 on the board. In today's semifinal, there was definitely pressure, but we tried not to overthink it. We aimed to stick to our usual approach from the first nine games, and things worked out well for us in the second half, concluded Rohit.
India chose to bat first and posted a formidable score of 397/4 in their 50 overs. Captain Rohit Sharma's quick 47 (29 balls) and Shubman Gill's impressive 80 (66 balls) set the tone with a solid 71-run opening partnership, featuring four boundaries and four sixes by Rohit and eight fours and three sixes by Gill.
Virat Kohli notched up his 50th ODI century with an impressive 117 runs in 113 balls, including nine fours and two sixes. Shreyas Iyer continued his excellent form, scoring a second consecutive World Cup century with 105 runs in 70 balls, featuring four boundaries and eight sixes. KL Rahul contributed a quick cameo, adding 39 runs in 20 balls, with five fours and two sixes, as India posted a formidable total.
Tim Southee stood out as the top-performing bowler for the Kiwis, securing three wickets for 100 runs. Trent Boult also contributed with a wicket, finishing with figures of 1/86.
In pursuit of 398, the Kiwis faced early setbacks, losing two wickets. However, a remarkable 181-run partnership between Daryl Mitchell (134 runs in 119 balls, with nine fours and six sixes) and captain Kane Williamson (69 runs in 73 balls, including eight fours and a six) posed a challenge for the Indian bowlers. Glenn Phillips added a valuable contribution with 41 runs. The game shifted when Shami took two wickets in an over, and the Indian bowlers excelled in the death overs, limiting New Zealand to 327 in 48.5 overs.
Tim Southee shone as the standout bowler for the Kiwis, claiming three wickets for 100 runs. Trent Boult also chipped in with a wicket, finishing with figures of 1/86.
Kiwis lost two early wickets but Mitchell (134) and Williamson (69) had an 181-run partnership. Shami's two-wicket over turned the game, and India restricted NZ to 327 in 48.5 overs.
In addition to Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj each took a wicket in the match against New Zealand.
Shami earned the 'Player of the Match' award for his exceptional bowling performance.
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