ODI World Cup 2023: Top 3 talking points from India’s win over New Zealand in first semi-final

The Men in Blue have reached the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup. They defeated the Kiwis in the semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. With this win, they have finally avenged the loss that they suffered against the same opposition in the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final. Now they will be facing either Australia or South Africa in the final of the World Cup at Ahmedabad. Let’s take a look at the top 3 talking points from India vs New Zealand clash in the semi-final. 

1. The Semi-Final Jinx Broken

India has finally managed to progress beyond the semi-final in the ODI World Cup. They played brilliantly in the 2015 and 2019 World Cup where they topped the group stage but, in the knockouts, they somehow lost the plot resulting in their exit from the tournament. Well, this time they did not let the knockout pressure come on them and managed to negotiate the Kiwi challenge.

2. Mohammad Shami – The real leader of the attack

Whenever the Indian bowling attack is talked about, Jasprit Bumrah dominates the discussion but Mohammad Shami exhibited why he is the real leader of this bowling unit. He picked up wickets with the new ball and also broke the dangerous partnership of Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell. 

He picked up 7 wickets in a semi-final match which is completely unheard of. With this performance, he has now gone up to 23 wickets in the tournament and can very well end up as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament. A lot would count on him in the final as team India would be looking to lift their third ODI World Cup title. 

3. The Indian Middle Order

The Indian middle order has to be one of the most important talking points in this World Cup. This middle order has stepped up in every match which is one of the major reasons behind India’s unprecedented performance in this World Cup. Against New Zealand, it was the middle order that made the difference with their firepower and matured batting display. They carried India to a total of around 400 which put India ahead in the contest. 

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