OTD: India made it to their fourth ODI World Cup final in 2023

It was on this day two years ago that India reached the final of the 2023 World Cup, their fourth in history, after going unbeaten through the round-robin phase and then defeating New Zealand in their semi-final clash. India’s first five matches were all successful chases, but their next four wins came while defending. On three of these four occasions, the Men in Blue racked up scores over 300.

The hosts, who finished as table-toppers with 18 points and a net run rate of +2.570, were slotted up against fourth-placed New Zealand in the first semi-final, which was played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. India amassed a whopping 397/4 on the back of centuries from Virat Kohli (117 off 113) and Shreyas Iyer (105 off 70).

Kohli’s hundred was his 50th in the format as he went past his idol Sachin Tnedulkar’s historic 49-ton tally. Shubman Gill, who had retired hurt with cramps in the 23rd over and then came into bat again in the final over of the innings, finished unbeaten on 80 off 66.  Although Tim Southee picked up three wickets, he conceded 100 in his 10 overs as the Kiwis were set a steep 398 for victory.

Mohammed Shami struck twice within the powerplay to remove both the Kiwi openers. Kane Williamson (69 off 73) combined with Daryl Mitchell to stitch together a 181-run stand for the third wicket to keep New Zealand in the game but the partnership was broken by Shami. The right-arm pacer struck with another wicket in the same over.

The Black Caps ultimately fell well short, losing by 70 runs on the day despite a valiant knock by Mitchell (134 off 119) as Shami registered career-best figures of 7/57 and was awarded the Player of the Match award. India had to wait a day before knowing which team between South Africa and Australia they will face.

It was Australia eventually. India would go on to lose the final on November 19 in front of a capacity crowd at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium in one of their most forgettable nights.

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