India beat New Zealand by 70 runs to qualify for the final of ICC Men’s World Cup; Australia to take on South Africa in second semi-final in Kolkata today

@BCCI

India defeated New Zealand by 70 runs in the first semi-final of ICC Cricket Men’s World Cup at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai last night. Chasing a mammoth target of 398 runs, New Zealand were all out for 327 in 48.5 overs. For India, Mohammed Shami scalped 7 wickets. For New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell was the highest scorer with 134 runs followed by captain Kane Williamson with 69 runs. Earlier India won the toss and elected to bat. India scored 397 for 4 in the stipulated 50 overs.

History was created at the Wankhede Stadium as Virat Kohli became the first player to claim 50 ODI hundreds. He overtook Sachin Tendulkar in the tally for most centuries in the format. Shreyas Iyer has also scored the fastest ever century in a world cup semi finals with a lightening 70 ball 105 runs. Mohammed Shami was declared player of the match. He now holds the best bowling figures by an Indian in ODIs. Also, captain Rohit Sharma surpassed Chris Gayle for hitting the most number of sixes in a single World Cup edition. This was India’s 10th consecutive win in this World Cup.

In the second Semi-final, Australia will lock horns with South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata today.