India on Wednesday thrashed New Zealand by 70 runs to become the first team to qualify for the final of the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.
New Zealand required something special to chase down 398 in semi-final at Mumbai stadium, and got off to a strong start as Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra went on the attack in the powerplay.
But Mohammad Shami made the breakthrough once again for India, having Conway caught behind for 13. And Shami was at it again to send Ravindra back to the dugout, with the youngster also departing for 13.
But a big partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson gave the Black Caps hope of pulling off a record chase, with Mitchell scoring a battling century and captain Williamson hitting 69 to set the platform for his team.
After Williamson’s dismissal, Kiwis lost Tom Latham’s wicket in quick session. Glenn Philipps fell for 41 while Mitchell dismissed for 134 by Shami, diminishing the Blackcaps’ hopes for qualifying for the final round of the tournament. The Kiwis bundled out for 327 in 49th over.
Shami claimed a seven-wicket haul while Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah and Yadav took one wicket each.
Earlier, a powerful batting performance from top order helped India post a mammoth target of 397 runs for New Zealand.
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill took a strong start as they smashed 47 and 79, respectively. After, Gill was retired hurt, Virat Kohli took the charge and played record-breaking innings of 117 runs to boost the total.
He got full support from No 4 batsman Shreyas Iyer who also scored a brilliant ton. He scored 105, including eight sixes and four 4s, off 70 balls.
