OTD | India beat New Zealand to make it to the final of ODI World Cup 2023

Captain Rohit Sharma, who had been setting the tone throughout this tournament, chose to bat first. The Kiwis were behind from the first over as India raced off to a fast start. New Zealand would have been relieved when KW’s shout cut off his counterpart’s knock. India, however, had different plans. Gill took the initiative, which allowed Kohli to start. 

Unfortunately, the former was forced to retire due to injuries sustained in Mumbai’s heat on 79. At that point, Iyer and Kohli teamed up to form an enormous alliance. They maintained the momentum by scoring boundaries regularly. Both of them got to their respective three-digit milestones. With a remarkable ODI century at number 50, Kohli overtook Sachin Tendulkar. Iyer, however, scored his second consecutive century. They set New Zealand a mammoth target of 399 for a place in the final.

Mohammed Shami, the bowler who came in the change for Team India scalped off his first delivery and then another in his next over. He nipped out both of the New Zealand batters who had been caught behind with his superb seam bowling under the lights. Thanks to an incredible 181-run partnership between Mitchell and Williamson, the Kiwis rallied.

India was a little careless and there were a couple of misfields, leaked extras, KL shattered the stumps before catching the ball, and Shami also dropped a sitter. For the very first occasion during this competition, India was under pressure, and Shami made a spectacular comeback. By eliminating Williamson and trapping Latham’s leg before wicket in the same over, he made the crucial breakthrough. 

Mitchell and Phillips formed a half-ton partnership, and New Zealand was in the hunt. In four outstanding overs, Kuldeep and Bumrah claimed two wickets for just twenty runs. Then Shami returned to deliver the final blow. Finished with a seven-fer after dismissing Mitchell, the centurion, and taking wickets for amusement. With yet another sensational performance, India qualified for the final of the ODI World Cup 2023.

Disclaimer: This exclusive news is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and intuition. While reviewing this information, consider the points discussed and form your own conclusions.

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