WC: India defeats New Zealand with Shami's 7-57 and enters final with 70-run win

India beat New Zealand in a thrilling semifinal clash to reach the final of the ICC Men's World Cup 2023. Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer scored centuries for India, while Mohammed Shami's 7-57 haul proved too much for New Zealand. Shami picked up his third five-wicket haul of the tournament and helped India to avenge their defeat at the same stage New Zealand four years back in 2019. After Kohli (117) broke Sachin Tendulkar's record for most centuries in One-day cricket by scoring his 50th century, while Iyer and Shami also played a crucial role in India's massive victory against New Zealand. Shami took vital wickets at crucial moments to bundle out New Zealand for 327 in 48.5 overs. India will now face the winner of the second semifinal between Australia and South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday. The final is scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad 

Shami took crucial wickets, dismissing openers Devon Conway (13) and Rachin Ravindra (13). He returned to dismiss Kane Williamson (69) and Tom Latham (0) in a brilliant over, helping India recover after the New Zealand skipper and Daryl Mitchell had raised 183 runs for the third-wicket partnership. Shami, who bowled in five spells, sent back Mitchell, Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson in the final few overs to complete his best haul in ODIs.

Shami dismissed both openers but Williamson and Mitchell scored quick half-centuries. Shami then claimed two wickets in three deliveries in the 33rd over, giving away only 1 run. Williamson holed out to Suryaklumar Yadav while Latham was trapped LBW. New Zealand were down to 220/4. During the 41st over, Siraj conceded 20 runs to Glenn Phillips. Bumrah sent Phillips back, and Mark Chapman was caught by Jadeja off Kuldeep Yadav. Mitchell was caught by Jadeja off Mohd Shami, giving him his third five-wicket haul in this World Cup. 

Kohli who had joined Sachin Tendulkar on 49 centuries in the match against South Africa, scored his 50th hundred with Sachin Tendulkar watching and applauding from the stands. He has now scored 711 runs in 10 innings at an average of 101.57 in this World Cup. The Indian batters made the most of their chances after electing to bat first. Iyer scored his second century in a row by blasting eight sixes in his 70-ball 105, helping India put up a massive score. Skipper Rohit Sharma started in whirlwind fashion, hitting 4 boundaries and 4 maximums in his 29-ball 47. Shubman Gill continued the momentum, hitting 7 boundaries and scoring his third half-century in four innings. Gill and Kohli raised 93 runs partnership was interrupted when Gill retired hurt due to cramps after scoring 79 off 65 balls.

Kohli survived a DRS review and completed his fifty off 59 balls with four boundaries. He hit eight boundaries and one six to reach his 50th century off 106 deliveries. Kohli achieved the milestone with a double off Ferguson in the 42nd over. Tendulkar applauded from the stands while Kohli acknowledged the cheers and clapping from the dressing room. Kohli hit a boundary off Ferguson after reaching his century but was dropped on 107 by Phillips at deep midwicket off Southee. He went on to hit a six over Phillips but was dismissed while attempting another big shot. Kohli and Iyer added 163 runs for the second wicket as India passed 300.

Iyer scored a quick fifty off 35 deliveries, hitting two fours and four sixes. He dominated the bowling attack, smashing sixes and fours off Ravindra and Southee. Iyer completed his century off just 67 balls, hitting three fours and eight sixes. KL Rahul supported Iyer, and together they added 50 runs for the third wicket. Iyer eventually got out after scoring 105 runs off just 70 deliveries. KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 39 as India posted a massive total.