ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

Despite concerns over the heavy cloud cover and slight drizzle, the toss proceeded as scheduled, overcoming the looming threat of rain hovering around the match.

Earlier reports had suggested that the BCCI orchestrated a switch, opting for a pitch that had already witnessed two matches instead of the fresh one earmarked for the final, purportedly to favor their spinners.

Shami achieved this milestone in just 17 innings, outpacing Starc's record of 19. Joining an elite group featuring Glenn McGrath, Muttiah Muralitharan, Starc, Lasith Malinga, Wasim Akram, and Trent Boult, Shami is the seventh bowler to achieve the 50-wicket landmark in the World Cup.

Memories of the 2019 defeat in Manchester loomed large, but skipper Rohit Sharma steered the team with composure, emphasizing the importance of staying calm and adhering to assigned roles.

Shami's heroics began with crucial breakthroughs, dismissing openers Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra early on. Returning later to remove Kane Williamson and Tom Latham in a single over, Shami played a pivotal role in stifling New Zealand's momentum after a formidable partnership between Williamson and Daryl Mitchell.

This move came after the PCB dismissed the Pakistan Selection Committee on Tuesday, triggered by the resignation of chief selector Inzamam Ul Haq.

Come Thursday, and the Australia-South Africa rivalry will have another chapter added when the two teams clash in the semi-finals of 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday, to decide who goes to Ahmedabad for the title clash on Sunday.

In a stellar performance, Kohli scored 117 off 113 deliveries, contributing significantly to India's total of 397/4 in the first semi-final of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.

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 record-breaking century marked Kohli surpassing the previous record of 49 centuries, which he jointly held with cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar. Kohli achieved this remarkable feat in 279 innings.