ICC World Cup 2023: India score a mammoth 1st innings total of 397-5 in the semi-final against New Zealand at the Wankhade Stadium

India has posted a mammoth total of 397 runs against the Kiwis in front of a packed crowd of Wankhede. Moreover, India posted the highest team totals in any knockout. It has been a phenomenal batting display from the Indian batsmen. India was on top with a blistering knock from captain Rohit Sharma. Subsequently, Virat and Shreyas along with handful contribution from Shubhman pushed the total beyond 350. However, to reach close to 400, a blistering cameo should come. It subsequently came from KL Rahul.

India’s blistering first innings

Opting to bat, it was captain Rohit Sharma who set the tone upfront which he’s been doing consistently in this tournament. India got off to a flier and the Kiwis were on the back foot from the very first over. A screamer from Kane Williamson ended his counterpart’s knock and New Zealand would have breathed a sigh of relief. But India had other ideas. Gill became the aggressor and that allowed Kohli to get going. The former unfortunately had to leave the field on 79 as he retired hurt falling victim to Mumbai’s heat. That’s when Kohli and Iyer joined hands to stitch a mammoth partnership. They kept scoring boundaries at regular intervals and kept the momentum going. Both of them notched up their respective tons. Kohli however, etched a watershed moment in the ODI cricketing history. Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar with ODI hundred number 50.

On the other hand, nothing went right for the Kiwis. Santner wasn’t at his best in his first seven overs and when he bowled well, the Kohli-Iyer duo managed to see him off. Santner went wicketless and post that, the Indians just put the foot down and went berserk. Iyer hit some towering sixes for fun and Rahul applied the finishing touches to get the total close to 400.

Most 50-plus scores in a World Cup knockout team innings:

• AUS vs IND (3), Johannesburg, 2003 Final
• IND vs AUS (3), Ahmedabad, 2011 QF
• NZ vs SA (3), Auckland, 2015 SF
• IND vs NZ (3), Mumbai WS, 2023 SF

Fastest World Cup hundreds for India (by balls taken):

• 62 – KL Rahul vs NED, Bengaluru, 2023
• 63 – Rohit Sharma vs AFG, Delhi, 2023
• 67 – Shreyas Iyer vs NZ, Mumbai WS, 2023
• 81 – Virender Sehwag v BER, Port of Spain, 2007
• 83 – Virat Kohli v BAN, Mirpur, 2011

If you are interested to know more about the ICC World Cup 2023, read here:

1. ICC World Cup 2023: Will the overcast conditions and tricky pitch in Wankhede come in aid for the pacers for the semis?
2. Rachin Ravindra’s early grit: From childhood setbacks to unwavering dedication in Wellington
3. ICC World Cup 2023: Captain Rohit unlikely to tinker with the winning combination ahead of a decisive clash against the Kiwis
4. ICC World Cup 2023: Virat Kohli surpasses Sachin Tendulkar’s record for 50th ODI century

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