When Virat Kohli’s 50th ODI Century Was Nearly Ruined by Daryl Mitchell’s Knock

The first semi-final of the 2023 ODI World Cup between India and New Zealand will forever be etched in cricketing history. Virat Kohli surpassed his idol Sachin Tendulkar to score his record-breaking 50th ODI century at Wankhede, while Mohammed Shami’s sensational seven-wicket haul spearheaded India’s bowling attack. After 12 years, India secured their place in the ODI World Cup final, making it a night to remember for Indian cricket fans. A match filled with milestones, emotions, and dominance. So, Ready to relive that unforgettable day? Join us on this journey.

India vs New Zealand: 1st Semi-Finals of ODI World Cup 2023

The stage was set at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 15, 2023, for the high-stakes semi-final between India and New Zealand, with a spot in the final on the line. At the toss, Rohit Sharma opted to bat first, knowing Wankhede’s reputation for high-scoring encounters. He and Shubman Gill opened the innings, facing the formidable pace duo of Trent Boult and Tim Southee. Despite Boult’s early swing, Rohit showcased his aggressive intent, smashing him for two consecutive boundaries.

The Indian openers dominated the powerplay, racing to 70/0 in just eight overs. Their fearless approach kept the pressure on New Zealand, ensuring a solid foundation. However, in the ninth over, Rohit mistimed a shot off Southee, sending the ball high into the air before Kane Williamson completed a safe catch. His explosive knock of 47 off 29 balls came to an end, leaving India at 75/1. Virat Kohli then walked in, starting cautiously while Gill continued his fluent stroke play.

In the 14th over, Gill brought up his half-century off just 41 balls, looking well-set for a century. However, in the 23rd over, Gill struggled with cramps, eventually retiring hurt on 79, leaving India at a strong 165/1. With Kohli settled at one end and a deep batting lineup to follow, India remained in a commanding position as they aimed to post a formidable total in this crucial knockout clash. Now, out walked Shreyas Iyer who continued the momentum as he attacked Rachin Ravindra for a six and a four while Virat Kohli completed his half-century off 59 balls in the same over. By the end of 30 overs, the Indian team was at 214/1.

Shreyas Iyer kept the momentum going with his aggressive stroke play, while Virat Kohli anchored the innings with singles and doubles. In the 41st over, against Lockie Ferguson, Kohli, on 98, flicked the ball between long leg and deep midwicket to complete a double, reaching his historic 50th ODI century. Breaking his idol Sachin Tendulkar’s record at Wankhede, Kohli received a standing ovation from the legend himself.

Meanwhile, Iyer continued his attacking approach, punishing the New Zealand bowlers. Kohli’s fine innings came to an end in the 44th over when he was dismissed for 117 off 113 balls, leaving India at 327/2. Iyer carried on the assault and, in the 48th over, completed his century in just 67 balls. India eventually posted a formidable 397/4 in 50 overs, setting New Zealand a steep target of 398.

Needing a flying start, Devon Conway began the chase with two boundaries off Jasprit Bumrah in the first over. Rachin Ravindra joined in, but in the sixth over, KL Rahul pulled off a spectacular catch to dismiss Conway for 13, reducing New Zealand to 34/1. Things worsened as Mohammed Shami struck in the eighth over, removing Ravindra for 13 off 22 balls. At 39/2, New Zealand was already struggling against India’s relentless bowling attack, needing a special effort to stay in the contest.

Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell took charge of New Zealand’s innings, ensuring the required run rate stayed manageable by rotating the strike and finding boundaries at regular intervals. By the end of the 17th over, New Zealand had reached 100 runs, still needing 298 more from 33 overs. With both batters well set, they began to accelerate, aware that the required run rate was climbing. In the 22nd over, Mitchell brought up his half-century off 49 balls, and two overs later, Williamson reached his own fifty off 58 deliveries. The duo’s calculated aggression kept New Zealand in the contest, frustrating the Indian bowlers.

The game took a dramatic turn in the 32nd over when Mitchell stunned the Wankhede crowd by completing his century in just 85 balls. However, on the very next delivery, Williamson flicked a ball straight to Suryakumar Yadav, ending his gritty knock at 69 off 73 balls and breaking a crucial 181-run partnership. This breakthrough opened the floodgates for India. In the same over, Mohammed Shami trapped Tom Latham LBW for a duck, leaving New Zealand reeling at 220/4 and still needing 188 runs from 17 overs.

Glenn Phillips then joined Mitchell, and the duo counterattacked. Phillips, known for his power-hitting, took on the Indian bowlers, smashing Mohammed Siraj for 20 runs in the 41st over. At 286/4, New Zealand needed 112 runs from the final nine overs. Sensing the pressure, Rohit Sharma turned to Jasprit Bumrah, and the move paid off instantly. In the very next over, Bumrah dismissed Phillips for a quickfire 41 off 33 balls, reducing New Zealand to 295/5 in 43 overs. India tightened their grip on the match when Mark Chapman fell for just two runs in the following over, further sinking New Zealand to 299/6 in 44 overs.

With Mitchell still at the crease, New Zealand’s hopes rested on his shoulders, but India had firmly taken control. The final nail in the coffin came in the 46th over when Mohammed Shami dismissed the dangerous Daryl Mitchell. Attempting to clear the boundary, Mitchell was caught by Ravindra Jadeja in the deep, bringing an end to a remarkable knock of 134 runs off 119 balls. With his dismissal, New Zealand was reduced to 308/7, still needing 90 runs from the last four overs which seemed to be an almost impossible task.

With India firmly in control, Mohammed Shami returned in the 49th over to finish things off. On the second ball of the over, he dismissed Tim Southee, who managed just 9 runs off 10 balls. The final wicket came moments later when Lockie Ferguson was caught behind by KL Rahul for 6 runs off 3 balls. New Zealand was bowled out for 327 runs, handing India a commanding 70-run victory and securing their place in the 2023 ODI World Cup Final.

For his sensational 7-wicket haul, Mohammed Shami was named Man of the Match, finishing with outstanding figures of 7/57 in just 9.5 overs. His spell proved to be the game-changer, breaking the backbone of New Zealand’s batting lineup. Adding to the historic night, Virat Kohli’s 50th ODI century made the match even more special. Surpassing his idol Sachin Tendulkar’s record, Kohli etched his name in history in front of a packed Wankhede Stadium. Shreyas Iyer’s blistering century also played a crucial role in powering India to 397, setting up a dominant performance that saw them book a well-deserved spot in the World Cup Final.