Kohli, Shami star as India beat New Zealand to reach World Cup final

Published November 15, 2023
India’s Virat Kohli (R) plays a shot as New Zealand’s wicketkeeper Tom Latham watches during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup one-day international (ODI) first semi-final match between India and New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India on November 15. — AFP
India’s Virat Kohli (R) plays a shot as New Zealand’s wicketkeeper Tom Latham watches during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup one-day international (ODI) first semi-final match between India and New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India on November 15. — AFP
India’s Mohammed Shami celebrates after taking the wicket of New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson, caught out by KL Rahul to win the match and advance to the finals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India on November 15. — Reuters
India’s Mohammed Shami celebrates after taking the wicket of New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson, caught out by KL Rahul to win the match and advance to the finals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India on November 15. — Reuters

Virat Kohli scored a record-breaking 50th one-day international (ODI) hundred and Mohammed Shami took seven wickets as India beat New Zealand by 70 runs to reach the Cricket World Cup final on Wednesday.

Kohli made 117 to surpass the ODI century record he had shared with India great Sachin Tendulkar, and Shreyas Iyer clubbed a rapid 105 in a commanding total of 397-4.

New Zealand were then dismissed for 327 despite Daryl Michell’s 134 with paceman Shami taking a sensational career-best 7-57.

The Black Caps had hope of an improbable win during a third-wicket stand of 181 between captain Kane Williamson and Mitchell at the Wankhede Stadium.

Shami, however, all but ended the chase with two wickets in three balls during the 33rd over.

Star batsman Williamson fell for 69 when he flicked Shami — who had dropped him on 52 — straight to Suryakumar Yadav at deep square leg.

And 220-3 became 220-4 when Shami had Tom Latham lbw for a duck.

Shami then went on to better his previous ODI best of 5-18 against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede earlier in the tournament by dismissing Mitchell, Southee and last man Lockie Ferguson.

In Sunday’s final, India will face either Australia or South Africa who play their semi-final on Thursday.

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