Virat Kohli’s world record 50th ODI hundred and a scintillating century from Shreyas Iyer took India to a stunning 397 for four against New Zealand in the first semi-final of the World Cup here on Wednesday.
Rohit Sharma’s (47 off 29 balls) pyrotechnics, tons from Kohli (117 off 113) and Iyer (105 off 70) and a fluent 65-ball 79 from Shubman Gill, who retired due to cramp, gave India strength after the skipper’s win a good throw.
Rohit, as is his wont, went straight to bowling and almost ruined the contest in the first hour of play at the Wankhede Stadium when his overwhelming number of deliveries left the New Zealanders bruised and battered.
Rohit hit one too many and failed to make a 29-ball 47, but Gill took the lead from there and continued to torment the Kiwis with his batting repertoire.
After Gill was forced to return, Kohli and Iyer continued their good work and set New Zealand an unlikely target. However, Gill came back and remained not out with 80 off 66 balls.
During his innings, Kohli also became the first batsman in the history of the game to score 50 ODI centuries, surpassing his idol Sachin Tendulkar.
Short results: India: 397/4 in 50 overs (Virat Kohli 117, Shreyas Iyer 105, 80 not out).
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