Road to Final: Kohli’s Record-Breaking Innings Shines at Wankhede as India Sets Formidable 398 Target for New Zealand

Varad Bhatkhande
Mumbai, 15th November 2023: In a high-stakes semi-final clash between India and New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium, the first innings has concluded with India setting an imposing target of 398 for the Kiwis. The marquee semi-final encounter is crucial, as the winner will advance to the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 final.

Opting to bat after winning the toss, India displayed an outstanding batting performance, marked by a historic moment as Virat Kohli notched up his 50th ODI century, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries.

Rohit Sharma, seeking redemption for India’s early setbacks in the 2019 ICC World Cup semi-final against New Zealand, began aggressively. Captain Rohit Sharma showcased his prowess with 47 runs off 29 balls before being caught by Kane Williamson on a Tim Southee delivery.

India posted an impressive 84 in the powerplay, losing only Rohit Sharma’s wicket. Shubman Gill provided stability, scoring 50 off 41 balls, but retired hurt at 79 for 65 balls due to discomfort while running. Kohli and Shreyas Iyer took the reins, both reaching half-centuries.

Kohli, in a masterful display, secured his 50th century in 106 balls, breaking Tendulkar’s ODI centuries record. The Indian skipper celebrated by blowing a kiss to his wife, actress Anushka Sharma, and bowing to his idol Sachin Tendulkar. This marked Kohli’s second century in the tournament.

Kohli’s spectacular innings ended at 117 off 113 balls, receiving a standing ovation from the Wankhede crowd. Shreyas Iyer continued the momentum, surprising everyone with a century in 67 balls, eventually reaching 105 in 70 balls before being caught by Daryl Mitchell on Trent Boult’s delivery.

After Iyer’s dismissal, Suryakumar Yadav could only manage 1 run. However, the returning Gill, who retired hurt earlier, contributed with a run as he finished with an unbeaten 80 off 66 balls. KL Rahul played a quick cameo, remaining unbeaten with 39 runs.

In their allotted 50 overs, India posted a formidable total of 398, losing three wickets. New Zealand’s bowling effort was led by Tim Southee, who claimed three wickets for 100 runs in his 10 overs. Trent Boult secured one wicket, while spinner Mitchell Santner remained economical.

New Zealand now faces a daunting task, needing to chase down 398 to secure a spot in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 final. The second innings is set to commence shortly, promising an exciting conclusion to this high-stakes encounter at Wankhede Stadium.