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[Saba Sports News] In the ODI World Cup 2023 semi-final, India faced New Zealand at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Indian captain Rohit Sharma, winning the toss, opted to bat, leading to a strong start with Shubman Gill.
The duo amassed over 50 runs before Tim Southee dismissed Rohit for 47. Gill, scoring a half-century, formed a vital partnership with Virat Kohli but retired hurt at 79 due to injury.
India dominated, with Kohli and Shreyas Iyer’s centuries driving the score to 397/4. Kohli scored 117 off 113 balls, acknowledged by Sachin Tendulkar from the stands. Post-innings, Kohli expressed his awe and dedication to team victory.
“Well, feeling (pauses). Again, the great man just congratulated me. It feels like a dream. Too good to be true. Big game for us and I played the role so that the guys around me can come and express themselves,” Kohli shared during the post-mid-innings interview. “As I said, for me the most important thing is to make my team win. I’ve been given a role this tournament and I’m trying to dig deep. That’s the key to consistency – play according to the situation and play for the team. (On 50th century) It’s the stuff of dreams. Sachin paaji was there in the stands,” he added.
“It’s very difficult for me to express it. My life partner, my hero – he’s sitting there. And all these fans at the Wankhede. To get to 400 is amazing; a lot of credit needs to go to Shreyas. KL finished it with a flurry [of boundaries],” said Kohli.
Shreyas Iyer continued his excellent form, scoring 105 off 70 balls, while KL Rahul’s quick runs bolstered India’s total. On New Zealand’s side, Southee took three wickets but conceded 100 runs, and Boult got one for 86.
New Zealand’s chase was tough; despite Daryl Mitchell’s 134 off 119 and a 181-run partnership with Kane Williamson, Mohammed Shami’s 7/57 in 9.5 overs sealed India’s 70-run win and a spot in the final, avenging their 2019 defeat.