The host nation India has stayed undefeated yet again this time in a semi-final v New Zealand. They won the toss by electing to bat first where India scored nearly 400 (394-4) & while New Zealand never gave up chasing that big reply later on, but that wasn’t enough unfortunately to secure them a 3rd straight final after being all for 327 with just an over to spare. India won by 70 runs who are now through to their 4th World Cup final since 2011 – also as previous hosts at the time with a world championship. They only lost a World Cup final once in 2003 also against the Aussies but have won both past finals back in 1983 & 2011, so this is something Australia or South Africa needs to watch out for v this undefeated team. Now the second semi-final awaits where one of them will take on India this Sunday for the big final in Ahmedabad hopefully tonight or tomorrow if rain doesn’t hold back play between the Aussies and South Africa.
Brilliant stuff from start to finish by Team India where Shubman Gill fire off well until he got some cramps on 79 not out before Virat Kohli delivered another magnificent ton along with Shreyas Iyer & fast bowler Mohammed Shami was outstanding that made the home supporters reach something special with the ball thanks to his seven-wicket haul. Meanwhile, commiserations to New Zealand when they did the best they can to respond to that 398 run target under pressure after a tough time early in the afternoon on the field. Their batting was top-notch too led by Daryl Mitchell who scored an excellent hundred including skipper Kane Williamson at the top-order, as well as some good runs a bit down the order from Glenn Phillips. But sadly, the fielding and bowling performances were far outweighed by the always impressive Indian batting attack where NZ fell short towards the end there. It would’ve been their third straight World Cup final if they did beat the hosts but they’re still a Top 4 side who hopes to bounce back better next time.
