On This Day in 2023: India Storms Into World Cup Final with a 70-Run Win Over New Zealand

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On this day in 2023, India secured a thrilling 70-run victory over New Zealand in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

The historic win was punctuated by Virat Kohli’s record-breaking 50th ODI century, a moment made even more iconic as he celebrated in front of his wife, Anushka Sharma, and cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar – whose record he surpassed.

Shreyas Iyer also notched his second consecutive century, and Mohammed Shami clinched a stunning seven-wicket haul to propel India to the final on home soil.

How did India Perform Against New Zealand?

After being put into bat, India’s top order came out swinging. Rohit Sharma, alongside Shubman Gill, gave India a fiery start with a 47-run knock off just 29 balls. Kohli and Iyer then took charge, amassing a formidable total of 397-4, the highest score ever recorded in a World Cup knockout match.

Kohli’s 50th ton, a milestone in ODI cricket, was crafted with precision, while Iyer’s explosive strokeplay added further momentum. KL Rahul also chipped in with a rapid 39 off 20 balls, rounding off a near-perfect innings for India.

New Zealand, known for their resilience, responded with a strong counter-attack, led by captain Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell. Their 181-run partnership gave the Kiwis a fighting chance, but Mohammed Shami turned the game in India’s favour with a pivotal double-wicket over, dismissing Williamson and rattling New Zealand’s momentum.

Shami’s spell was nothing short of spectacular, as he picked up a career-best seven wickets, dismissing crucial middle-order players and tailenders alike to snuff out New Zealand’s chase.

With this commanding win, India reached the final of the World Cup for the second time on home soil. Set to face the winner of the Australia vs South Africa semi-final, India hopes to reclaim the title they last won in 2011.

Following a narrow miss in the 2019 semi-final, Rohit Sharma’s squad now eyes the coveted trophy, aiming to cap off a remarkable tournament campaign with another championship victory at home.