Following Bharat’s 70-run win over New Zealand in the
ICC Cricket World Cup semifinal, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
president Roger Binny lauded the ‘Men in Blue’ for winning all the games so far
with ‘authority’.
Shami’s seven-wicket haul and Virat Kohli’s record
50th ODI century were the highlights as Bharat secured a 70-wicket win over New
Zealand in the semifinal of the Cricket World Cup at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium
on Wednesday.
“It has been a tremendous run by the team, winning all
the games with such authority. We have played really good cricket and are
looking forward to the final now. We definitely have a good chance (to win the
Finals),” Binny told ANI after the match.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to his official
handle on X to congratulate Bharat on their stupendous win.
“Today’s semifinal has been even more special thanks
to stellar individual performances too. The bowling by Md Shami in this game
and also through the World Cup will be cherished by cricket lovers for
generations to come. Well played Shami!,” PM Modi tweeted.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah also lauded Team India for
their win. He said the road to finals has been nothing short of spectacular for
the ‘Men in Blue’.
He lauded Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, skipper Rohit
Sharma, Shreyas Iyer and Mohammed Shami for their valuable performances.
“What a sensational performance by Team Bharat in the CWC
2023! The road to the finals has been nothing short of spectacular, and our
boys have truly shone on the grand stage.
Captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill set the perfect
foundation, and legendary Virat Kohli notched up his historic 50th ODI hundred,
displaying cricketing prowess like never before! Shreyas Iyer, with his
destructive century, once again proved why he’s a force to be reckoned with in
power-hitting. The bowling and fielding efforts were equally commendable,” Shah
posted on X.
“Md Shami’s crucial 7-wicket haul played a pivotal
role, and the spinners maintained tight lines throughout the second innings.
Special congratulations to Mohammad Shami for reaching his 50th cricket world cup
wicket, achieving this milestone faster than anyone else –an extraordinary
feat!
As the nation bursts with pride, all eyes are eagerly
set on November 19 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The Men in Blue are just one
step away from glory, and with such a stellar display, the hopes are high for
bringing the trophy home. Let’s rally behind our team and wish them the best
for the finals! BCCI,” Shah added in his post.
Bharat opted to bat first and scored 397/4 in their 50
overs. Skipper Rohit Sharma (47 in 29 balls, with four boundaries and four
sixes) and Shubman Gill (80 in 66 balls, with eight fours and three sixes)
delivered a fine start with a 71-run opening stand.
Virat Kohli (117 in 113 balls, nine fours and two
sixes) posted his 50th ODI ton, while Shreyas Iyer (105 in 70 balls, with four
boundaries and eight sixes) scored his second-successive WC century, helping
India post a massive score. KL Rahul also delivered a 20-ball cameo of 39 runs,
with five fours and two sixes.
Tim Southee (3/100) was the pick of the bowlers for
the Kiwis. Trent Boult (1/86) also got a wicket.
In the chase of 398, Kiwis lost two early wickets. But
a 181-run partnership between Daryl Mitchell (134 in 119 balls, with nine fours
and six sixes) and skipper Kane Williamson (69 in 73 balls, with eight
centuries and a six) kept Kiwis alive and Indian bowlers sweating for answers.
Glenn Phillips also played a valuable knock of 41.
However, a two-wicket over by Shami changed the game and Men in Blue bowled
exceptionally in the death overs to restrict NZ to 327 in 48.5 overs.
Shami became ‘Player of the Match’ for his spell. Besides
Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj got a wicket each.
ANI
