In the first semifinal of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023, Virat Kohli etched his name in history by setting a new record for the most centuries in One-Day cricket. Accompanied by Shreyas Iyer's scintillating second successive century, India showcased a batting masterclass, amassing a formidable total of 397/4 in 50 overs against New Zealand on Wednesday.
Kohli, who had equaled Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 centuries just ten days prior, reached his unprecedented 50th hundred with the Little Master himself watching and applauding from the stands. This remarkable feat brought Kohli's total for the World Cup to an impressive 711 runs in 10 innings at an average of 101.57.
The Indian batters capitalized on the favorable conditions of the slow and dry pitch after Rohit Sharma elected to bat first. Sharma, displaying his trademark aggressive style, took on the New Zealand pacers with a flurry of boundaries and sixes, accumulating 47 runs in just 29 balls.
Sharma's partnership with Shubman Gill yielded 71 runs for the opening wicket, but he eventually fell victim to Tim Southee's slower delivery, caught brilliantly by Kane Williamson. Gill, undeterred, took charge of the innings, crafting an innings that featured seven boundaries, including eye-catching pulls off Lockie Ferguson. However, Gill had to retire hurt at 79 off 65 balls due to severe cramps when India was at 164/1.
Shreyas Iyer then joined Kohli, and the scoring momentum didn't waver as they added another 50 runs to the partnership, propelling India past the 200-run mark. Kohli's cautious yet impactful play, coupled with Iyer's aggressive approach, resulted in a substantial 163-run partnership for the second wicket.
Kohli reached his 50th century off 106 balls, surpassing Tendulkar's record, amidst cheers from the stands and the dressing room. Despite a dropped catch by Glenn Phillips, Kohli couldn't capitalize and was dismissed shortly after reaching 107. Meanwhile, Iyer continued his assault, reaching his century off 67 balls, amassing three fours and eight sixes in his innings of 105.
The third-wicket partnership between Iyer and Gill contributed 50 runs, further solidifying India's commanding position. Iyer's dismissal, caught by Daryl Mitchell off Trent Boult, didn't halt India's march, as Gill returned to bat alongside KL Rahul, propelling the team to a formidable total of 397/4 in 50 overs.
In summary, India's stellar batting performance, marked by Kohli's historic century and Iyer's explosive innings, set a challenging target for New Zealand in this crucial World Cup semifinal.
Brief scores:
India 397/4 in 50 overs (Virat Kohli 117, Shreyas Iyer 105, Shubman Gill 80 not out; Rohit Sharma 47; KL Rahul 39 not out; Tim Southee 3-100) against New Zealand.
(With Agency Inputs)
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