India booked their place in their first Cricket World Cup final since 2011, with a convincing 70-run victory over New Zealand as they maintained their flawless campaign.
The tournament hosts successfully ended their group stage campaign unbeaten, winning all nine of their matches, and signing off with a thrashing of the Netherlands on Sunday, and maintained that form into the knockout stages.
Virat Kohli wrote his name into the record books when he eclipsed Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most ODI centuries, hitting his 50th in the first innings as India put on 387 runs. Shreyas Iyer also impressed with his century from just 67 deliveries including eight sixes.
But when it came to the bowling, it was Mohammed Shami who carried on his impressive World Cup to claim seven for 57. No other bowler could find a way through the New Zealand top-order, Shami took the first two in the powerplay, including a wicket with his first ball, and was brought back on to break the briefly-threatening partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson.
Shubman Gill played brilliantly well and slammed his half-century, but felt some discomfort due to the cramps. As the problem grew, Rohit Sharma asked the batter to come back to the dressing room as he didn't wanted Shubman Gill to give his wicket. Shreyas Iyer entered the ground with the confidence of a century in the previous match and played in a similar fashion.
India's top five now average more than any side in a single World Cup, but it is in sticking to their roles that they have been the most impressive. Rohit's job has been to maximise; accumulation can be left to Shuman Gill and Kohli. Rohit's personal score doesn't matter. He fell on 47, trying to hit a fifth six but was undone by a Tim Southee slower ball.
Twelve years after Kohli carried Tendulkar on his shoulders to thank him for carrying the team, Gill, heir apparent to Kohli, took on the aggressor's role to allow Kohli time to get into his work. Now these are only relative terms because 29 off 39 is not a bad start knowing how Kohli can accelerate, but in the same time Gill added 59 off 45. However, with a century there for the taking, Gill retired-hurt with what looked like cramps, presumably so as to not jeopardise his participation in the final.
Ravindra Jadeja botched a run-out chance in the 39th over, missing the stumps at the non-striker’s end after Mitchell attempted an audacious single. However, the Indian all-rounder redeemed himself by taking three outfield catches during the death overs, with Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman and Mitchell falling in quick succession.
New Zealand’s hopes rested entirely on Mitchell, and his departure in the 46th over sealed their fate.
Shami helped clean up the tail to finish with 7-57 from 9.5 overs, the best bowling figures for India in World Cups.
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