India has taken a crucial advantage over New Zealand in the first semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, thanks to a brilliant bowling performance by Mohammed Shami. The fast bowler claimed five wickets for 54 runs as he restricted the Kiwis to 273 in 50 overs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Shami strikes early and late
Shami was the star of the show for India, as he picked up two wickets in his first spell and three more in his final overs. He dismissed both the openers, Kane Williamson and Mark Chapman, in quick succession to reduce New Zealand to 32 for 2 in the ninth over. He then returned to break a dangerous partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra, who had added 154 runs for the third wicket. Shami removed Mitchell for a superb 130, his maiden ODI century, and then cleaned up the lower order with the wickets of James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, and Kyle Jamieson. He finished with his best figures in World Cup history and became the first Indian bowler to take five wickets in a World Cup semi-final.
Mitchell and Ravindra rescue New Zealand
New Zealand were in trouble after losing their top order cheaply, but they found two unlikely heroes in Mitchell and Ravindra, who steadied the innings with a record partnership. Mitchell, who was playing only his 38th ODI, showed great composure and aggression as he hit 12 fours and four sixes in his 118-ball knock. He was well supported by Ravindra, who scored 75 off 82 balls, his second consecutive half-century in the tournament. The duo took New Zealand past 200 and gave them a chance to post a competitive total.
India chase under pressure
India has a formidable batting line-up, but they will have to deal with the pressure of chasing in a knockout game. They will also have to face a quality pace attack from New Zealand, led by Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson, who have been among the leading wicket-takers in the World Cup. India will rely on their top order, especially Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have been in sublime form throughout the tournament. Rohit has scored 503 runs in seven matches, with two centuries and two fifties, while Kohli has amassed 594 runs in eight games, with six fifties. India will hope that their star batsmen can deliver once again and take them to the final.
