"Sensational": Praise pours in for India's World Cup semi win
Following India's 70-run win over New Zealand in the ICC Cricket World Cup semifinal, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Roger Binny lauded the 'Men in Blue' for winning all the games so far with 'authority'.
Shami's seven-wicket haul and Virat Kohli's record 50th ODI century were the highlights as India secured a 70-wicket win over New Zealand in the semifinal of the Cricket World Cup at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday.
"It has been a tremendous run by the team, winning all the games with such authority. We have played really good cricket and are looking forward to the final now. We definitely have a good chance (to win the Finals)," Binny told ANI after the match.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to his official handle on X to congratulate India on their stupendous win.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah also lauded Team India for their win. He said the road to finals has been nothing short of spectacular for the 'Men in Blue'.
He lauded Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, skipper Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer and Mohammed Shami for their valuable performances.
India opted to bat first and scored 397/4 in their 50 overs. Skipper Rohit Sharma (47 in 29 balls, with four boundaries and four sixes) and Shubman Gill (80 in 66 balls, with eight fours and three sixes) delivered a fine start with a 71-run opening stand.
Virat Kohli (117 in 113 balls, nine fours and two sixes) posted his 50th ODI ton, while Shreyas Iyer (105 in 70 balls, with four boundaries and eight sixes) scored his second-successive WC century, helping India post a massive score. KL Rahul also delivered a 20-ball cameo of 39 runs, with five fours and two sixes.
Tim Southee (3/100) was the pick of the bowlers for the Kiwis. Trent Boult (1/86) also got a wicket.
Celebrations after the win over New Zealand could be seen across India, with cricket fans taking to the streets to celebrate in several cities around the country.
In the chase of 398, Kiwis lost two early wickets. But a 181-run partnership between Daryl Mitchell (134 in 119 balls, with nine fours and six sixes) and skipper Kane Williamson (69 in 73 balls, with eight centuries and a six) kept Kiwis alive and Indian bowlers sweating for answers. Glenn Phillips also played a valuable knock of 41. However, a two-wicket over by Shami changed the game and Men in Blue bowled exceptionally in the death overs to restrict NZ to 327 in 48.5 overs.
Besides Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj got a wicket each.
Shami became 'Player of the Match' for his spell.
(ANI)