Following a hard-fought 70-run triumph against New Zealand at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, Team India has officially qualified for the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
After score 397-4 batting first, Rohit Sharma and company faced a strong run-chase attempt by the Blackcaps. The victory increased the Men in Blue’s winning streak in the present competition to ten matches, and they are now one step closer to winning the ODI World Cup for the third time in history.
Team India’s strategy was consistent from the league stage, with Rohit grabbing the initiative and plundering the new-ball bowlers. While the Indian captain died before he could parlay his good start into a large score, the damage had already been done.
The in-form Indian hitters took advantage of the luxury platform. Shubman Gill hit a fifty before being forced to leave the field owing to cramping. Virat Kohli scored his 50th ODI century, passing Sachin Tendulkar, who happened to be in the audience.
Shreyas Iyer also extended his hot streak with a second consecutive century, propelling India to a massive total.
The bowlers of Team India then took advantage of the seam-friendly conditions in the early stages of the second innings to eliminate both New Zealand openers inside the first powerplay.
Despite the loss, New Zealand refused to give up and vowed to come back. With their 181-run third-wicket stand, Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell gave India a serious worry.
Mitchell hit his second century of the World Cup against India, but the Men in Blue came back via Mohammed Shami, who bowled Kane Williamson and Tom Latham in the same over.
New Zealand struggled to keep up with the growing necessary run rate, losing wickets at frequent intervals. As Team India closed off the proceedings in style, Shami completed with a record seven-wicket haul.
India to Face either Aus or SA in 2023 World Cup Final
India has already sealed its ticket for the 2023 ODI world cup finals and is waiting for their opponent to face off with them at Narendre modi stadium this Sunday.
Second semifinal on Thursday, 22 June between Australia and South Africa hosted by Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The encounter is accompanied by rainfall as latest forecast have indicated that there will be light rains as well as showers on the day before the game.
However, a reserve day has been scheduled for the knockout match. If the match cannot be played on an alternative day, the Proteas will advance to the final based on a superior place in the points table following the league stage.
