Hyderabad: India have won the toss and chose to bat first. India, in its pursuit of its third title, looks to win the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. In the process, India’s nine wins on the trot have set a benchmark. The Men in Blue defeated Australia and Pakistan with ease, before trouncing defending champions England and South Africa, which is yet to win a World Cup. India’s lone and formidable challenge came from New Zealand at Dharamsala, which the team managed to navigate with Virat Kohli’s 95.
- Over 48.5 (NZ 327/8)
Tenth successive win and India progress to the final of the 2023 World Cup. Seven wickets for Shami! It was a full-length delivery, Ferguson moved leg-side to swing across the line but the ball took the outside edge and KL Rahul took a well-diving catch behind the stumps. In a match where 724 runs were scored by both teams combined, Mohammad Shami managed to pick seven wickets. That's an incredible effort. Shami picked a wicket on the very first ball and then followed it up with one more in his following over up-front. The Kiwis fought back strongly after two quick wickets with an outstanding 181-run stand between Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson. India were a bit sloppy in the field during that partnership as they leaked extras and misfields, KL broke the stumps before collecting the ball and Shami put down a sitter as well. India were put under pressure for the first time in this tournament but Shami redeemed in style and ensured that the game will not slip away from the hands of India. He provided the much-needed breakthrough by removing Williamson and trapped Latham in front of the stumps in the LBW wicket in the same over. Blackcaps were in the hunt as Mitchell and Phillips forged a fifty partnership. Kuldeep and Bumrah bowled four exceptional overs where they picked 2 wickets for just 20 runs. And then, Shami came back to produce some quick wickets. Dismissed Mitchell, the centurion, and picked wickets for fun to finish with a seven-fer. - Over 48 (NZ 320/8)
Rohit doesn't err on this occasion! Slow and short outside off, Santner tries to reach out for it. Off the toe-end of the bat and the ball lobs up in the air. The Indian captain takes the catch and New Zealand are eight down now. - Over 47 (NZ 313/7)
Southee was dropped by India skipper Rohit Sharma. Just five runs came from the Bumrah's last over. Bumrah finishes off his spell with 10 overs 1 maiden 1 wicket and 64 runs. - Over 46 (NZ 308/7)
Full and straight on the pads from Shami. Mitchell flicks it in the air but doesn't generate enough power behind it. Once again, the ball found Jadeja but this time at deep mid-wicket. Third fifer for Shami in this World Cup and the second against New Zealand in the ongoing tournament. He's played a blinder and he walks off to a standing ovation. Just two runs came from the Shami's over. - Over 45 (NZ 306/6)
India won't mind 7-8 runs per over from here and that's the run rate at which New Zealand are going now. India are now three overs behind as per the innings timer and the Equation is 99 runs off 36 balls. - Over 44 (NZ 299/6)
Leg spinner from Kuldeep, pitches on leg and spins a bit. Chapman gets on his knee for slog-sweep and makes decent contact but ends up hitting it flat and straight down deep square leg and Jadeja made no mistake. - Over 43 (NZ 295/5)
Finally, the slower ball from Bumrah does the trick for India. Glenn Phillips picks the slower ball and but still got early onto it. Jadeja slightly moves to his left at long-off, watches the ball cleanly and takes it up safely. The 75-run stand has been broken. But importantly, only seven runs came from the last over. - Over 42 (NZ 288/4)
Chinaman Kuldeep Yadav bowled an over worth gold as he conceded only two runs. The pressure was indeed on New Zealand batters. - Over 41 (NZ 286/4)
The over belonged to Glenn Phillips, who took on a profligate Mohammed Shami, as the Kiwis scored 20 runs. Phillips hammered two towering sixes and a four to put Siraj on the backfoot. - Over 40 (NZ 266/4)
It was once again Daryl Mitchell, who smashed Mohammed Shami for six over fine-led as the Kiwis scored nine runs. Micthell and Glenn Phillips were taking the Indian bowlers with gusto with their power-hitting. - Over 39 (NZ 257/4)
Glenn Phillips struck two boundaries in the over off Mohammed Siraj as New Zealand amassed 12 runs in the over. However, with the asking run rate above 12, it was an almost impossible task for New Zealand. - Over 38 (NZ 245/4)
A set Daryl Mitchell hammered Mohammed Shami for a maximum over his head as New Zealand scored nine runs. It was now Mitchell versus the Indian bowlers at the Wankhede. - Over 37 (NZ 236/4)
India skipper Rohit Sharma brought back Mohammed Siraj into the attack and he conceded only five runs and kept New Zealand under pressure. It was indeed a difficult task for the Kiwis now. - Over 36 (NZ 231/4)
Glenn Phillips hammered Ravindra Jadeja for a boundary even as New Zealand amassed seven runs in the over. Jadeja completed his spell and conceded 63 runs. - Over 35 (NZ 224/4)
The fall of two quick wickets has stemmed the flow of runs as Mohammed Shami conceded only three runs. New Zealand suddenly seemed on the backfoot and it is an uphill task for centurion Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips. From here on, it was India's game to win. - Over 34 (NZ 221/4)
After the fall of two wickets, Ravindra Jadeja conceded only a single run. New man Glenn Phillips played five dot balls. India stormed back into the game. - Over 33 (NZ 220/4)
Mohammed Shami provides the much-needed breakthroughs for India as he removes Williamson and Latham in the same over. It was on a good length and angling back into the right-hander, Williamson tried to clear the backward square leg boundary with the pick-up shot, but the execution went wrong and caught behind square on the on-side by Suryakumar Yadav. Tom Latham, missed the straight ball and found himself in front of the stumps when the ball hit his pads. Latham was dismissed for a duck.
Fastest to 50 World Cup wickets (by innings taken)
17 - Mohammed Shami
19 - Mitchell Starc
25 - Lasith Malinga
28 - Trent Boult - Over 32 (NZ 215/2)
It was a good over from Ravindra Jadeja until Kane Williamson sent the ball to the deep mid-wicket boundary. Just six runs came from it and Jadeja also got some turn from the surface which might help them to put blackcaps under pressure. - Over 31 (NZ 213/2)
India haven't been tested at all in this tournament, but this is a knock-out match and their bowling has been put under severe pressure. Williamson and Mitchell's partnership has now 174 runs and Mitchell is just 2 runs away from his century. - Over 30 (NZ 199/2)
Kane Williamson and Daryl Mithell have brought up the 150-run stand. They have also accumulated 43 runs off the last 5 overs and cruising towards the total because its now the T20 game for them where they need 199 off 20 overs and they still have eight wickets in hand. - Over 29 (NZ 189/2)
Shami has dropped a sitter, and the crowd at Wankhede watches in agony - back of a length and just outside off, KW swiveled across and pulled it hard and flat, straight to mid-on where Shami went reverse cupped and grassed it - Over 28 (NZ 180/2)
Six runs came from the last 28th over of the match. That's easy pickings and Mitchell has left the Indians with scrambled brains - Kuldeep tried to push it quicker, but it ends up as a full-toss - a pre-empted reverse sweep and Mitchell gets it away fine, past short third man. - Over 27 (NZ 174/2)
long levers and Mitchell has deposited it into the second tier - was nicely tossed up and it was right in Mitchell's zone he cleared his front leg and shoveled it high and over long - Over 26 (NZ 165/2)
Mitchell at the other end is looking ominous. It might not be bad for Rohit to bring in one of the seamers back into the attack and get in a small burst. Siraj might be an ideal to candidate to get back in for a couple of overs. - Over 25 (NZ 161/2)
Kane Williamson hits third half-century in four matches he played so far in this tournament. They both are playing well and strategically chasing the target. - Over 24 (NZ 154/2)
Huge appeal for LBW this time impact could have just been outside off stump. Kane has had his moments vs Kuldeep but somehow has managed to escape. Shaped up for a paddle-sweep and missed. - Over 23 (NZ 148/2)
After losing their openers, Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell are not doing anything extraordinary to stay in the chase. They are finding the odd boundary and are looking to stay in the game. - Over 22 (NZ 148/2)
Mitchell chips this up to the right of Jadeja, who tried to grab it in his followthrough! The second time Mitchell chips a defense the ball stops on him a bit though. - Over 21 (NZ 141/2)
India badly needs a wicket here to put the pressure back on the Kiwis. They'll either have to control the flow of runs or pick a wicket. Eight runs came from Kuldeep's overs. - Over 20 (NZ 124/2)
Mitchell and Williamson are giving respect to Kuldeep Yadav and attacking the other bowlers as they look to cover up the run-rate. The required run rate has gone up to 9.18 per over while they are now scoring at 6.41 per over. - Over 19 (NZ 118/2)
Just four from Jadeja's third over. They only have five bowling options up their sleeve if things won't work now they cannot turn to their sixth bowling option. The crowd has gone really quiet as well. These two have laced 37 runs in the last 5 overs. - Over 18 (NZ 114/2)
Huge appeal from Kuldeep for a wicket but the umpire thought otherwise. Williamson was surprised with the turn on the flick. It was pitched around off stump and impact was also in line with the leg stump but the ball was just clipping on hitting the stumps and hence the decision remained not out and Williamson survived. - Over 17 (NZ 104/2)
Mitchell is now taking charge on Indian Bowlers. He smashed Shami fir for six with lovely lofted straight drives where he shows the high elbow and a four off the front foot wide of mid-off in the same over. Mitchell accumulated 11 runs from the Shami's over. - Over 16 (NZ 93/2)
Another bowling change from the captain Rohit Sharma, Jadeja is replaced with Kuldeep Yadav now. Yadav conceded six runs in his first over. - Over 15 (NZ 87/2)
Top edge but it sailed over the over the ropes. A short delivery Kane Williamson went for a pull but the ball took the top edge for six. Inside edge but missed the stumps and raced away for the boundary. The wobble seam short of a length delivery, Kane plays with tentative feet, and gets lucky with the edge. 13 runs came for the last over. Siraj continues to leak runs. - Over 14 (NZ 74/2)
Good over for India, just two runs came from Jadeja's second over. Rohit Sharma looking for a wicket here as he attacking with a slip but the runs are flowing continuously. - Over 13 (NZ 72/2)
It was a short and outside off-ball from Siraj, Williamson came down the track and slapped it past point for a four and then another four byes, on cross seam delivery. The ball might have flicked the pads and missed Rahul's dive. The umpire signaled it byes. These two have accumulated 20 runs in the last three overs. - Over 12 (NZ 62/2)
Jadeja replaced Mohammad Shami in the attack. There was a huge appeal against Mitchell for a catch-out but the umpire said not out, so is the wicketkeeper KL Rahul when asked for a review by Rohit Sharma. Jadeja also bowled a No-ball which went for a four. Eight runs came from the Jadeja's first over. - Over 11 (NZ 54/2)
Siraj replaced Bumrah. Fifty up for the NZ unit in the 11th over. Mitchell hits him for two boundaries, first, it was the fuller length delivery, well outside off, Mitchell gets under the ball and lofts it over cover while the second was banged short, Mitchell got into position quickly and pulled the ball away and past fine leg for a four. - Over 10 (NZ 46/2)
The last five overs have gone for 16 runs and India have pulled it back with two wickets. While Williamson and Mitchell are eying to build a partnership but they'll have to keep the required net run rate in mind. - Over 9 (NZ 40/2)
that's a maiden! Bumrah bowled three outswingers and three in-swinger in that over to Kane Williamson. Length delivery, nips in and Williamson gets behind the line of the delivery to defend it out onto the on-side. Indian players not allowing Williamson to take singles and rotate the strike. - Over 8 (NZ 40/2)
Ravindra stayed leg-side of the ball and outer-halved the drive on the up to beat the man at mid-off for a four. Shami replied back in the best way he could and removed New Zealand's highest run-getter of the tournament. Again no feet moments from Ravindra while playing a cover drive and the ball just edged the bat and KL Rahul did the rest. Huge wicket again and both the openers have been sent back by Shami. If Bumrah and Siraj don't get you, Shami pulls you down. - Over 7 (NZ 35/1)
Finally, Bumrah bowled on the right line and length and it paid off. It's his first over of the match where he hasn't conceded any boundary so far. Just one run cam from this over. - Over 6 (NZ 34/1)
Wicket for Shami on the very first ball of his spell. Edged and what a grab KL Rahul behind the stumps. Shami straightaway came round the wicket to Conway as he had been successful against him around the wicket. No feet at all from Conway as he looked to drive it, got the edge and KL leaped to his left to take it. Superb low catch. Just four runs came from the sixth over. - Over 5 (NZ 30/0)
It's Bumrah's third over and he is still struggling with the right spot to bowl on. He again bowled wide and it again went miles down the leg and the keeper KL Rahul had no chance. The ball ran away well past the keeper for five wides. Seven runs came from the Bumrah's over. - Over 4 (NZ 23/0)
Siraj is hitting the right spot from the ball but hasn't found a wicket yet as India is looking for an early wicket to put the Kiwis on the back foot in the chase of a mammoth 398-run total. Only four runs came from the fourth over bowled by Siraj including a boundary from Conway. - Over 3 (NZ 19/0)
Bumrah still finding the right line and lengths on Wankhede's pitch. He also bowled two wide balls and gave a boundary to Conway, who nailed the drive off the cue-end and the man at cover point dived to his right but failed to stop it. - Over 2 (NZ 12/0)
Clearly, the swing is available here at Wankhede Stadium under lights for Indian seamers. Siraj swung the ball into the left-hander Rachin Ravindra but he managed to play it. Just four runs came from the second over that too on edge which went past the slips for a four. - Over 1 (NZ 8/0)
Conway hit two boundaries in the first over of the innings to Jasprit Bumrah who opened the attack for India. First, Conway went on the back foot and slapped it past point for a four and then, pushed it towards the left of the point fielder for four more.
END OF INDIA INNINGS - 397/4
- Over 50 (IND 397/4)
India finished their innings on 397 with two boundaries in the last two balls came from the bat of KL Rahul. Gill, who was called retired hurt came to bat after Suryakumar Yadav fell early, scored 3 runs in the first two balls, and then KL did the rest. KL Rahul played an important unbeaten cameo of 39 runs off 40 balls while Gill remained unbeaten on 80 off 66 balls. India's run machine Virat Kohli(113) scored his 50th ODI ton and surpassed his idol Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 centuries while Shreyas Iyer (105) put up a show scoring a second consecutive century of the tournament. India skipper Rohit Sharma set the tone for India's innings with his blistering 47 off 29 balls. - Over 49 (IND 382/3)
KL Rahul hammered Boult for a six and a four before getting off strike and then Shreyas also smashed him for a four before getting caught by Daryl Mitchell in the deep. Boult conceded 16 runs in his last over of the innings and a wicket of Iyer. Iyer made 105 off 70 balls with four boundaries and eight sixes. - Over 48 (IND 366/2)
back-to-back centuries for Shreyas Iyer! Knocks this off-pace length ball down to long-on. Removes the helmet and raises his bat. Incredible knock at his home ground. Gets a hug from Rahul. - Over 47 (IND 354/2)
Only seven runs came from the over as both batters were unable to hit sixes in the last two overs of the match. With this scintillating knock, Shreyas has written his name in the World Cup history book as he becomes the highest run-getter ina World Cup edition batting at number four.
Most runs from No.4 or below in a WC edition:
511* - Shreyas Iyer (2023)
499 - Scott Styris (2007)
482 - AB de Villiers (2015)
465 - Ben Stokes (2019)
456 - Martin Crowe (1992) - Over 46 (IND 347/2)
A good over for New Zealand, just six runs came from it. Even after hitting a boundary on the second ball of the over, Indian batters were unable to capitalize on it. - Over 45 (IND 341/2)
Shreyas Iyer, now showing his power-hitting skills as he hits two huge sixes against Rachin Ravindra. India have accumulated 54 runs in the last five overs as they are eyeing on the 400-run mark. Shreyas Iyer has also entered his 90s and looking for scoring a second consecutive century. - Over 44 (IND 327/2)
Trademark Kohli shot comes to the fore as he whacks a ball over deep midwicket for a maximum. Slower ball but he reads it perfectly. However, a sublime knock comes to an end as the batter tries a slog towards the legside and is caught in the deep. - Over 43 (IND 314/1)
Shreyas Iyer hits a massive six without any solid footwork and just a massive swing of the bat. The batters are now providing big hits each over to post a huge total. - Over 42 (IND 303/1)
Virat Kohli pulls off a historic feat as he surpasses batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar in terms of the ODI hundreds. The batter played a brilliant shot over deep midwicket on the last delivery of the over to continue his scoring momentum. - Over 41 (IND 292/1)
A tight over from Rachin Ravindra as he allowed both batters to accumulate only five runs. Also, Iyer was beaten as a result of the extra bounce from the spinner and New Zealand challenged the umpire's decision for the dismissal. However, the review was of no use and the decision remains intact. - Over 40 (IND 287/1)
Lockie Ferguson is bowling his deliveries down the leg and the bowler was penalised by Iyer for his indiscipline with a flick towards midwicket. His shot pierced the gap and the batter earned four runs as a result. - Over 39 (IND 275/1)
Kohli slows down a bit as he nears the milestone. The ace batter blocked the deliveries from Mitchell Santner and the left-arm spinner leaked only two runs as a result. - Over 38 (IND 275/1)
Both the batters are taking singles and steering the scoreboard to set the platform for an aggressive finish in the slog overs. - Over 37 (IND 270/1)
Singles in this over from both the batters and they are setting up the scoreboard for a solid finish. Both the batters are building the innings steadily and Shreyas Iyer has notched up his fifty in the over. - Over 36 (IND 265/1)
Raining sixes and boundaries from Iyer and Kohil as the duo is taking the opposition bowlers to the cleaners. Boult also tried to outsmart the batter with a knuckle ball but Shreyas read it perfectly and hit a straight six. - Over 35 (IND 248/1)
Shreyas Iyer defended all six deliveries and Mitchell Santner's brilliant bowling has resulted in a maiden over. - Over 34 (IND 248/1)
Shreyas Iyer Charged down the track and lofted it straight and clean into the second tier of Wankhede Stadium. Phillips conceded 10 runs in the over including a huge six. - Over 33 (IND 238/1)
Shreyas Iyer's big hit over wide long-on and Virat Kohli's brilliant drive through extra cover were two fine shots in the over. Iyer garnered a six over long-on with a slog while Kohli's probable boundary was saved by brilliant fielding from New Zealand player. - Over 32 (IND 226/1)
Kohli earns a boundary towards the square leg as Glenn Phillips bowled a delivery on the pads of the batter and he takes full advantage of it. - Over 31 (IND 221/1)
Kohli now also displays his game intelligence as he pushes a short delivery from Boult down the third man as the fielder was placed on the edge of the 30-yard circle. India's star batter earns a boundary as a result. - Over 30 (IND 214/1)
Kohli at his best now as he comes down the track and whips it over deep midwicket using his wrist work. Fifty partnership between him and Iyer as the former is now playing fluent strokes. - Over 29 (IND 203/1)
Kohli is in full form now as he steps out and lofts one over mid-off to earn sole boundary in the over. The star batter is now destroying opposition bowlers as he is heading towards his century. - Over 28 (IND 197/1)
Lockie Ferguson is tidy with the ball and conceded just three runs from his over. - Over 27 (IND 194/1)
Virat Kohli makes his half-century with a single down the ground. India's ace batter is middling the balls and is steering the team scoreboard on a consistent basis. - Over 26 (IND 181/1)
Ferguson is mixing up his length on the surface as it is too flat and being predictable can turn out to be costly. However, he slid down leg twice in the over but also bowled a brilliant short delivery to surprise Virat Kohli. - Over 25 (IND 178/1)
New Zealand are looking under pressure and the overthrow on the fourth delivery was he evidence. The batters are constantly taking singles and the fielder threw it wide awarding one extra run to the Indian batters. - Over 24 (IND 173/1)
Lockie Ferguson targeted both batters with short deliveries. While Iyer looked slightly uncomfortable, Kohli pulled one fine for a four. - Over 23 (IND 164/1)
Virat Kohli pulled a short delivery from Santner and earned four runs from the third delivery. However, Gill is taken out of the field due to immense heat and Shreyas Iyer walks in to bat. Gill was heading towards the century but he is now absent hurt. - Over 22 (IND 157/1)
Kohli and Gill are focusing on singles against Phillips as he turns some balls into both the right-handed batters. - Over 21 (IND 152/1)
Santner is bowling some tossed-up deliveries to both the batters but has restricted them from freeing their arms with variation in pace. - Over 20 (IND 150/1)
Gill advances down the track and lofts one ball from the off-spinner straight down the ground. Gill is settled on the crease and is now heading for his century. - Over 19 (IND 142/1)
Kohli and Gill are focused on playing late against deliveries bowled outside off as the balls are coming way too slow on the bat. Gill played a square cut but the slower nature of the pitch didn't allow him to execute it perfectly. - Over 18 (IND 138/1)
New Zealand's sixth bowling option, Glenn Phillips is introduced into the attack. Gill and Kohli both focused on singles in the over as they are building the innings slowly. - Over 17 (IND 132/1)
The slow nature of the pitch is on display as Gill tried to cut a ball but timed it slightly early. However, Gill showcased a spectacular footwork to dance down the track and whack a six against Mitchell Santner. Also, he played a well-timed square cut towards backward point to earn a boundary of the last ball. - Over 16 (IND 121/1)
Rachin Ravindra comes to bowl his second over to trouble Kohli and Gill with his spin bowling. However, Kohli was solid on the front foot and blocked all the deliveries with ease as he is looking to build his knock steadily. - Over 15 (IND 118/1)
Kohli and Gill earned four runs in the Santner's over as the duo is looking to build the innings. - Over 14 (IND 103/1)
Shubman Gill gets to his third half-century of the ongoing World Cup 2023. Gill brings up his fifty in 41 balls with seven boundaries and a six. - Over 13 (IND 104/1)
Gill hits a couple of big shots against Ferguson. First, he went on the front foot and smashed it between deep mid-wicket and long on. - Over 12 (IND 92/1)
Gill playing defensively against Mitchell Santtner. Gill fetches the ball from the outside off and sweeps it but the good work in the deep by Mark Chapman who saves the couple for the Kiwis. - Over 11 (IND 89/1)
Tim Southee's length deliveries have kept the 11th over somehow quiet for India. However, Gill hit a boundary on the third ball of the over to keep the scoreboard going. - Over 10 (IND 83/1)
Young Shubman Gill takes charge after the skipper's dismissal. The right-hander struck 2 boundaries in the final over of the first powerplay against Lockie Ferguson. The India batters are looking to maintain the attacking mode against the Blackcaps. - Over 9 (IND 75/1)
Kane Williamson took a blinder! Williamson took a brilliant running backward and managed to hold on to the ball. It was a slower delivery, Rohit went for a big shot and drilled it down the ground but couldn't connect it properly. New Zealand have a little opening as the dangerous Sharma is gone. The bowling change has worked. Southee has delivered the goods with an exceptional slower ball. - Over 8 (IND 70/0)
Shubman Gill gets his timing right against Lockie Ferguson. Gill came on the front foot and comes on the top of the ball and helps it away for between covers and covers point. Nine runs came from the first over of Ferguson. - Over 7 (IND 61/0)
Trent Boult has found the right lengths to bowl on. Boult conceded just three runs from his fourth over including a wide and Rohit Sharma punched the ball toward point and got a couple of runs. - Over 6 (IND 58/0)
Rohit Sharma continues to take on the Kiwi bowlers as he hits a six and a four in the first over of Mitchell Santner. Santner conceded 11 runs in the first over. - Over 5 (IND 47/0)
Rohit is showcasing that bowling short to him can be the costliest error a bowler can commit as he pulled a stunning six against the short ball bowled by Tim Southee. Also, the Indian batter has achieved a historic milestone.
*Rohit Sharma has surpassed Chris Gayle to smash most sixes in World Cups with 50 maximums. - Over 4 (IND 38/0)
Tim Southee faces some more damage from Rohit Sharma as the hitman smacks a beatiful six with his pure timing over deep square leg. A short ball was also pulled for a boundary and once again Rohit is taking the attack to the opposition while Gill is taking his time in the middle. - Over 3 (IND 25/0)
Aggression is the mantra for the Indian skipper as he is not ready to hold his horses. Rohit walked down the track on the third delivery of the over and blasted a powerful six to put Boult under pressure. Both the batters are playing with an attacking intent now. - Over 2 (IND 18/0)
A poor delivery from Tim Southee cost four runs as Gill flicked the ball on his pads. However, the pacer bowled a quality delivery seaming in as well and Gill got a lucky four as the inside edge missed the stumps and raced to the boundary. - Over 1 (IND 10/0)
Rohit Sharma has stuck to his aggressive mindset in the first game as well hitting two boundaries including one towards midwicket and a brilliant off drive. India are off to a brilliant start in the very first over.
Trent Boult will start the proceedings for New Zealand with the ball while skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have walked in to open the innings.
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.
New Zealand (Playing XI): Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson(c), Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Tom Latham(w), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.
Mumbai Dream- India's financial capital, Mumbai is called the City of Dreams for a reason. Here one comes and makes a living and turns his dreams into a reality. On April 2, 2011, the dream of batting great Sachin Tendulkar, who was brought up at Sahitya Sahawas in suburban Bandra was also fulfilled at the Wankhede Stadium when the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Indian team lifted the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 at this very historic ground located in South Mumbai.
Heartbreaks from past- But the ground, which is one of the best in the country, has not only seen triumphs but is also a witness to heartbreaks.
And two major heartbreaks for the fans of the Indians Cricket have come at the venue, which now has a life-size statue of cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar installed recently.
The first came way back in 1987 and the second came in the ICC T20 World Cup in 2016 when England and New Zealand crushed a billion dreams.
Going back to 1987, it was England who outplayed India by 35 runs at this very ground as they rode on opener Graham Gooch's stroke-filled 115 to post a competitive 254/6 and then bundled out India for 215. Gooch for his 136 ball knock was adjudged as the player of the tournament.
For India spinner Maninder Singh was the pick of the bowlers as he returned with figures of 3/54.
For India former skipper Mohammed Azharuddin top scored with a valiant 64 off 74 balls but that was not enough to take his side home as they lost the encounter, where Sachin Tendulkar worked as a Ball Boy. India led by Kapil Dev were knocked out of the tournament.
2019 WC semi final vs New Zealand- The second heart breaking moment at the Wankhede, then a refurbished one, came in March 2016 when Lendl Simmons took West Indies to the final of the T20 World Cup, which they eventually won. It was due to Simmons' unbeaten 82 run knock off just 51 balls that West Indies chased an improbable 193 for a win and sent India packing home.
In the game, star batter Virat Kohli top scored for India with unbeaten 89 off just 47 balls as he took India to 192/2 in their allotted 20 overs. But that wasn't enough.
However, the third highest triumph in India's cricketing history came at the refurbished Wankhede on April 2, 2011, when Mahendra Singh Dhoni hit that much famous six after which India lifted the ODI World Cup for the second time after 28 years with former Indian skipper and 1983 World Cup winning team member Ravi Shastri in the commentary box when the winning runs will be scored.
For the record, New Zealand have lost their first six semi finals and then won two World Cup semi finals In a row.
India on the other hand have three ODI World Cup semi finals and lost four.
Will the Kane Williamson led side record their successive semi final win and storm into the final and break a billion hearts or will Rohit Sharma's Men In Blue continue its juggernaut in the vicinity of the Arabian Sea and off the serene Marine Drive, answer will be known later tonight.
*India in ODI World Cup Semi Finals:
1983 vs England, Manchester - Won by 6 wickets
1987 vs England, Mumbai (Wankhede Stadium) - Lost by 35 runs
1996 vs Sri Lanka, Kolkata - Lost
2003 vs Kenya, Durban - Won by 91 runs
2011 vs Pakistan, Mohali - Won by 29 runs
2015 vs Australia, Sydney Cricket Ground - Lost by 95 runs
2019 vs New Zealand, Manchester - Lost by 18 runs
*New Zealand in ODI World Cup Semi Finals:
1975 vs West Indies, The Oval - Lost by 5 wickets
1979 vs England, Manchester - Lost by 9 runs
1999 vs Pakistan, Manchester - Lost by 9 ickets
2007 vs Sri Lanka, Kingston - Lost by 81 runs
2011 vs Sri Lanka, Colombo R Premadasa Stadium - Lost by 5 wickets
2015 vs South Africa, Auckland - Won by 4 wickets
2019 vs India, Manchester - Won by 81 runs
