India reach World Cup final, Mohammed Shami claims seven wickets

Virat Kohli, who is in sensational form, went to slam his 50th ODI ton and in the process overtook batting legend Sachin Tendulkar among the batters with most number of tons in ODIs. Kohli’s innings was well complimented by Shreyas Iyer, who smashed 105 in just 70 balls. Earlier, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill gave India an explosive start after they won the toss and opted to bat. The pair added 71 in 8.2 overs before Rohit fell to Tim Southee for 29-ball 47. Gill also showed some stylish but his innings was cut short due to cramps, forcing him to retire hurt at 79. He then came to bat in the final over and added one run to his account.

Mohammed Shami produced another clinical effort with the ball and scalped seven of the ten wickets. The pacer got the breakthrough with his first ball of the mtach and then dismissed Rachin Ravindra in his very next over. Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell then restablised the Kiwi innings and have stitched a 150-plus stand for the third wicket. Both the batters completed their half-centuries before Williamson was dropped by Shami on 52.

However, the bowler redeemed himself as the game progressed and provided India with a double blow. He first removed Williamson for 69(73) and then trapped Tom Latham LBW for 0(2). Mitchell, who has already slammed a ton, then held fort with Glenn Phillips and added over 50 runs for the fifth wicket. Bumrah then got rid of Phillips for 41(33) in the 43rd over, and Kuldeep Yadav removed Mark Chapman in the next over.

Shami then dented New Zealand’s hopes completely as he removed Daryl Mitchell for 134(119) in the 46th over, before adding two more wickets to his tally.