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The Rohit Sharma-led Indian team scripted history as they reached the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 final. The Men in Blue took down a confident New Zealand side in the first semi-final with a massive margin of 70 runs in Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. This was India's first 50-over World Cup final appearance after winning the marquee tournament in 2011 at this exact venue.
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Batting first, Sharma gave Team India the perfect start as he smashed the New Zealand pace attack around the park. Hitman's fireworks helped Shubman Gill settle in as the young Indian opener took charge after Sharma departed at a score of 47 in 29 balls.
With Gill batting aggressively, Virat Kohli found time to get into a rhythm and continue the onslaught from both ends. Though Gill went out retired hurt at 79, Kohli with Shreyas Iyer made sure the scoring rate didn't go down and posted a massive 163-run partnership.
During this batting masterclass, Kohli scripted history to become the first batter in ODI history to reach 50 centuries. Following the King, Iyer also scored his second consecutive World Cup century as the Men in Blue posted a massive 397 runs in the first innings. KL Rahul with 39 in 20 balls also played a crucial role in India's massive total.
The Indian team continued to build on this momentum and picked up two quick wickets thanks to the pacers. But retaliating back, New Zealand posted a massive 150+ run stand thanks to the Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell duo. Mitchell ended up with a gritty 134, b ut like countless times in this tournament, Mohammed Shami turned the game around and went on to pick seven wickets and carry India to the final.
