In a dazzling display of batting prowess, Team India etched their name in World Cup history by setting the highest target in a semi-final clash. The team concluded their innings with a staggering 397/4, leaving New Zealand with a daunting task in the semifinal encounter.
Captain Rohit Sharma Set the Tone
Opting to bat first, Indian captain Rohit Sharma once again played a pivotal role in setting the tone for the innings. His consistent performances throughout the tournament laid the foundation for India’s commanding total.
Despite Rohit Sharma’s early departure, Shubman Gill took charge as the aggressor, allowing Virat Kohli to build a substantial innings. Unfortunately, Gill retired hurt at 79, a victim of Mumbai’s relentless heat. However, this didn’t impede India’s momentum.
Kohli’s Landmark Century
Virat Kohli, in his signature style, surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record, notching up his 50th ODI century. The captain’s exemplary leadership and batting prowess redefined the standards of excellence in World Cup cricket.
Shreyas Iyer, stepping into the spotlight, recorded his second successive century in a spectacular display of skill and determination. The partnership between Kohli and Iyer became the backbone of India’s record-setting innings.
Mammoth Total Sets New Standard
Team India’s remarkable total of 397/4 not only created history in the World Cup semi-finals but also reshaped the narrative of the tournament. The incredible batting performance left New Zealand with an uphill task in their pursuit of the target.
Conditions didn’t help New Zealand. They sometimes didn’t help themselves either. The leader of their attack, Tim Southee, was whacked all over and by everybody. Southee went for 100 in his 10 overs, marking his second-most expensive spell in ODIs. The pick of the bowlers was Mitch Santner, who went for just 51 runs in his 10 overs. However, even he failed to get a wicket.
The alarming fact was that if Mumbai stayed true to the trend, the new ball in Jasprit Bumrah’s hands, after sunset with a little moisture around, would jag all over the place, not helping New Zealandâs cause.
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