MUMBAI, India – November 15, 2023: In the India vs New Zealand showdown at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, India triumphed over New Zealand by 70 runs in the first semifinal of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, in a high-stakes clash that lived up to its billing.
India vs New Zealand
India’s Batting Dominance
India’s batting performance was the highlight of the match. The openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a solid start, scoring 47 and 80 runs, respectively. However, it was Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer who stole the show with their centuries. Kohli scored his 50th ODI century, becoming the first player to achieve this feat, while Iyer scored his maiden ODI century. India finished their innings with a daunting total of 397/4.
New Zealand’s Valiant Effort
New Zealand, in reply, started their chase cautiously, losing wickets at regular intervals. However, a fighting half-century from Kane Williamson kept New Zealand in the hunt. Mitchell Santner also chipped in with a valuable contribution, but New Zealand eventually fell short of the target by 70 runs.
A Match to Remember
The semi-final match between India and New Zealand was a high-scoring, entertaining affair that went down to the wire. India’s batting prowess and Mohammed Shami’s bowling brilliance proved to be the deciding factors in their victory. New Zealand, despite their valiant effort, could not match India’s firepower and fell short of the target.
India’s Road to the Final
India’s victory over New Zealand marks a significant milestone in their journey to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 title. They have been in excellent form throughout the tournament, winning all of their matches except for one against England. They will now face the winner of the second semi-final match in the final, which is scheduled to be played on November 19, 2023, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India.
Player of the match
The player of the match for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 semifinal clash between India and New Zealand was Mohammed Shami. His sensational bowling spell of 7/57 was the turning point of the match and helped India secure a comfortable victory. Shami’s performance was a testament to his skill and experience, and he was a well-deserved winner of the Player of the Match award.
Here are some of the key reasons why Shami was awarded the Player of the Match award:
- He was the most economical bowler on the day, conceding just 57 runs in his 9.5 overs.
- He took seven wickets, which is the best bowling performance by an Indian bowler in a World Cup match.
- He dismissed some of New Zealand’s top batsmen, including Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill, and Ross Taylor.
- His bowling spell put New Zealand under immense pressure and effectively ended their chase of India’s total.
Shami’s performance was a masterclass in seam bowling, and he was a thorn in the side of the New Zealand batsmen throughout the innings. He was able to swing the ball both ways and seam it off the pitch, making it difficult for the batsmen to play him. His accuracy was also excellent, and he rarely bowled a loose delivery.
Overall, Shami’s performance was one of the best individual bowling performances in World Cup history. He was the key to India’s victory, and he was a well-deserved winner of the player of the match award.
Key highlights of the match
- India’s Electing to Bat First: India won the toss and decided to bat first, capitalizing on their strength in batting.
- Solid Opening Partnership: Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a solid start, putting on a partnership of 82 runs before Gill’s dismissal.
- Virat Kohli’s 50th ODI Century: Virat Kohli marked the occasion with his 50th ODI century, a testament to his enduring legacy in the sport.
- Shreyas Iyer’s Century Boost: Shreyas Iyer complemented Kohli’s efforts with his century, further bolstering India’s batting performance.
- Mohammed Shami’s Sensational Bowling Spell: Mohammed Shami’s seven-wicket haul for 57 runs was the turning point of the match, dismantling New Zealand’s batting lineup.
- India’s Mammoth Total of 397: India’s impressive batting performance resulted in a formidable total of 397 for 4, putting New Zealand under immense pressure.
- New Zealand’s Valiant Chase: Despite the daunting target, New Zealand fought back with a spirited chase, led by Darryl Mitchell’s century.
- India’s Triumph: India’s bowling attack, anchored by Shami’s brilliance, restricted New Zealand to a total of 327 runs, securing a 70-run victory.
- India’s Progression to the Final: India’s victory propelled them into the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final, keeping their hopes of lifting the trophy alive.
