NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill played pivotal roles in India's commanding 70-run victory over New Zealand in the World Cup semi-final. Gill, inspired by Kohli's relentless hunger for success, showcased his talent with an unbeaten 80, while Kohli smashed a record-breaking 50th one-day international hundred.
India, the unbeaten hosts, amassed a formidable total of 397-4 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. Kohli's innings of 117 not only propelled India to a commanding position but also saw him surpass the iconic Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 centuries.
Gill, who shared a crucial 93-run partnership with Kohli, expressed admiration for the Indian run-machine's consistency over the years, stating, "It's not so much about the skill that he has, but it's more about the hunger when he goes there and the intensity with which he plays the game is what inspires me."
Despite retiring hurt earlier in the innings, Gill played a pivotal role in steering the team to victory. He explained his role alongside Rohit Sharma, saying, "My role is just to play my game in the powerplay, look for good shots, look for good boundaries, and then once the powerplay's over, I can rotate the strike."
Gill, who faced cramps and pulled his hamstring during the match, remained optimistic about his fitness for the final in Ahmedabad, asserting, "I will definitely be fit for Sunday's final against either Australia or South Africa."
1/10:Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami star as India reach World Cup final
AFP
2/10:Virat Kohli's record-breaking century
Virat Kohli scored his 50th one-day international hundred, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record, with a knock of 117.AP
3/10:Mohammed Shami's sensational bowling
Mohammed Shami took a sensational seven-wicket haul, including the best figures by an Indian bowler in a World Cup semi-final.AP
4/10:India's commanding total
India posted a commanding total of 397-4, with Shreyas Iyer scoring a rapid 105 and Shubman Gill contributing 80 not out.AFP
5/10:Daryl Mitchell's valiant effort
Daryl Mitchell scored 134, his highest ODI score, but it wasn't enough to secure victory for New Zealand.AFP
6/10:India's unbeaten streak
Team India has won all 10 of their matches in the World Cup so far, aiming for their third title and second on home soil.ANI
7/10:India's chance for redemption
After losing in the semi-finals of the last two World Cups, Team India is determined not to let go of this opportunity for redemption.AFP
8/10:Williamson, Mitchell's partnership
Captain Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell put on a third-wicket partnership of 181 runs to revive New Zealand's chase.AFP
9/10:Shami's crucial wickets
Mohammed Shami took two crucial wickets in the 33rd over, dismissing Williamson and Latham to dent New Zealand's chances.AFP
10/10:New Zealand's World Cup title drought
New Zealand are still searching for their first men's 50-over World Cup title after their defeat in the semi-finals.PTINew Zealand, chasing a daunting target of 398, faltered despite Daryl Mitchell's splendid 134. Mohammed Shami's remarkable bowling performance, returning figures of 7-57, played a crucial role in India's victory. Gill acknowledged the challenge of facing bowlers like Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj, even in practice.
"It's very difficult in the nets. But it is fun to play because even Bumrah, Siraj, and Shami — they enjoy playing us in nets, and it is definitely very challenging," Gill commented on the intense practice sessions against India's formidable bowling lineup.
With this win, India secure a spot in the World Cup final, awaiting the outcome of the Australia vs South Africa clash.
(With inputs from AFP)
