Kohli ton, Shami seven-for propel India into World Cup cricket final - Trinidad Tobago Newsday

India moves one step closer to winning the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup after a 70-run victory over New Zealand.

India is on the brink of winning the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup after a resounding 70-run victory over New Zealand in the semi-final at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Virat Kohli had a record-breaking day, scoring his 50th One Day International hundred, surpassing Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar for the most of all time. His innings of 117 off 113 balls, along with Shreyas Iyer's destructive 105 off 70 deliveries, propelled India to a massive total of 397/4 in 50 overs. Despite opener Shubman Gill retiring hurt before returning to the crease and ending on 80 not out off 66 balls, New Zealand was unable to contain India's batting onslaught.

In response, New Zealand showed promise, reaching 220/2 in the 33rd over. However, India's fast bowler Mohammed Shami turned the tide with two crucial wickets in one over, including that of captain Kane Williamson for 69. Shami ended the match with impressive figures of 7/57 in 9.5 overs, proving to be a handful for the New Zealand batsmen. Daryl Mitchell tried to keep New Zealand in the match with a valiant 134 off 119 balls, but it wasn't enough as New Zealand was ultimately dismissed for 327 in 48.5 overs.

The second semi-final between South Africa and Australia is set to take place on Thursday, with the winner set to face India in the final on Sunday. With this victory, India has positioned itself as the favorite to lift the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup.

Summarised Scores:
India 397/4 (50 overs) (Virat Kohli 117, Shreyas Iyer 105, Shubman Gill 80 not out; Tim Southee 3/100)
New Zealand 327 (48.5 overs) (Daryl Mitchell 134, Kanes Williamson 69; Mohammed Shami 7/57)
India won by 70 runs.

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