India's path to the World Cup final was cleared with a 70-run win over New Zealand in a high-scoring encounter. Virat Kohli made history by hitting his 50th century, and Mohammed Shami provided crucial support with seven wickets. Batting first after winning the toss at the Wankhede Stadium—the site of India's 2011 triumph—India reached a formidable total of 397 for four, driven by Kohli's 117 and Shreyas Iyer's aggressive 105.
Indian star batter Virat Kohli hit a record 50th century for India, and fast bowler Mohammed Shami’s seven-wicket haul was equally important as the unbeaten hosts defeated New Zealand by 70 runs in a high-scoring match on Wednesday to advance to the World Cup final. Kohli’s 117 and Shreyas Iyer’s searing 105 helped India amass 397 for four wickets after winning the toss at Wankhede Stadium, where the hosts had lifted their second and last 50-over World Cup trophy in 2011.
New Zealand, recalling their 2019 semi-final win over India, were dismissed for 327 in the 49th over despite a heroic 134 from Daryl Mitchell. The attention now shifts to Kolkata's Eden Gardens, where Australia and South Africa will fight for the second final spot on Thursday. The championship match is scheduled for Sunday, November 19, in Ahmedabad.
By scoring 117 runs off 113 deliveries, Virat Kohli set a new record for the most centuries in ODI cricket, overtaking the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. As Kohli bowed to the fans in celebration, cameras captured both Tendulkar and former England football star David Beckham giving him a standing ovation.
Shreyas Iyer added explosive finishing power to the Indian innings, scoring a rapid 105 from just 70 balls, featuring eight sixes and four boundaries. Captain Rohit Sharma set the tone with 47 runs, sharing a strong 71-run opening stand with Shubman Gill. On the bowling side, Mohammed Shami cemented his legacy as the first Indian to take seven wickets in a single innings and the only Indian bowler to hit the 50-wicket mark in World Cups, alongside a record four five-wicket hauls.