Monitoring Desk
MUMBAI: India have started off the proceedings with the bat with the clarity of mind to treat the New Zealand bowlers with utter contempt straightaway in the first semi-final of the World Cup 2023 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Opting to bat, the Indian batting powerhouse had shown no mercy whatsoever to the Black Caps. Captain Rohit Sharma, who had a great run in this tournament, played a belligerent knock, smashing a 29-ball 47, studded with four boundaries and four sixes, before he was removed by Tim Southee.
But his wicket did not bother India, and they continued to play the way they wanted to. Shubman Gill played a terrific knock, scoring 65-ball 79, creaming eight boundaries and three sixes, before he was retired hurt.
His absence had not hurt India, as King Virat Kohli was there to ensure that he would remain on top in terms of scoring the most runs in the tournament. He racked up his 50th overall ODI century. This was his third century in this World Cup.
Kohli has been ably supported by Shreyas Iyer, who scored a resounding fifty.
