India booked their place in their first Cricket World Cup final since 2011, with a convincing 70-run victory over New Zealand as they maintained their flawless campaign.
The tournament hosts successfully ended their group stage campaign unbeaten, winning all nine of their matches, and signing off with a thrashing of the Netherlands on Sunday, and maintained that form into the knockout stages.
Virat Kohli wrote his name into the record books when he eclipsed Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most ODI centuries, hitting his 50th in the first innings as India put on 387 runs. Shreyas Iyer also impressed with his century from just 67 deliveries including eight sixes.
But when it came to the bowling, it was Mohammed Shami who carried on his impressive World Cup to claim seven for 57. No other bowler could find a way through the New Zealand top-order, Shami took the first two in the powerplay, including a wicket with his first ball, and was brought back on to break the briefly-threatening partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson.
Mitchell struck 117 and tried to lead his side to victory while battling against cramp and the loss of batting partners, but was unable to quite manage it, despite an impressive innings.
India will wait until the outcome of the second semi-final between Australia and South Africa to find out their opponents for the Cricket World Cup final on 19 November in Ahmedabad.
Follow all the reaction from the semi-final below plus get all the Cricket World Cup odds and tips here:
India vs New Zealand
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REPORT: Virat Kohli is the record breaker but Mohammed Shami bowled India to the Cricket World Cup final
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India reach World Cup final after emphatic 70-run victory over New Zealand
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India posted 397-4 – the highest score in a men’s 50-over World Cup knockout match
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Kohli scored record-breaking 50th ODI century; Shreyas added rapid 67-ball ton
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Mitchell led Kiwi fightback with superb century in big partnership with Williamson
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But Shami stared with the ball; becomes first Indian bowler to take 7-wicket haul in World Cup history
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India will play winner of other semi-final between South Africa and Australia
Virat Kohli is the record breaker but Mohammed Shami bowled India to the Cricket World Cup final
18:00 , Ben Fleming
Virat Kohli’s record-breaking innings might be remembered as the “stuff of dreams” but it was Mohammed Shami who bowled India to their first ODI World Cup final for 12 years, as they secured a 70-run victory over New Zealand.
The batter added yet another entry next to his name in the history books when he recorded his 50th ODI century, eclipsing the great Sachin Tendulkar, who scored 49, as India put on what proved to be a match-winning total of 397.
Shreyas Iyer’s innings might make for a more thrilling highlights reel than Kohli, his 105 from 70 included four fours and eight sixes, but Kohli’s shaped the entire innings. The former captain finished with 117, and a place at the top of the standings as India booked their place in the final.
Read Sonia Twigg’s report as India book their place in Sunday’s final:
Kohli is the record breaker but Shami bowled India to the World Cup final
‘It feels like a dream’: Virat Kohli reacts to record-breaking ODI ton in Cricket World Cup semi-final
17:55 , Ben Fleming
In the first innings, it was Virat Kohli who once again made the headlines as the 35-year-old surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of 49 ODI tons to take the record outright.
Kohli’s third hundred of the tournament helped India to a score of 397/4 off of their 50 overs in Mumbai. The record-setting knock came exactly ten years after Tendulkar’s international farewell at the Wankhede Stadium, with the “Little Master” in attendance to watch his mark be surpassed.
And Kohli paid tribute to “his hero” after making history.
“The great man [Sachin Tendulkar] just congratulated me,” Kohli said to the host broadcaster after making 117 from 113 balls. “All this feels like a dream to me, honestly. It’s too good to be true.”
Read more of Kohli’s thoughts from earlier as he surpassed Tendulkar’s record:
‘It feels like a dream’: Virat Kohli reacts to record-breaking ODI ton
Coming up tomorrow
17:52 , Ben Fleming
Well, India have already booked their place in the final but who will join them?
The second semi-final takes place tomorrow as South Africa and Australia look to reach Sunday’s showpiece event.
South Africa were the emphatic victors when the two sides met in the group stages, winning by 134 runs after bowling Australia out for just 177. However, the 2015 champions have bounced back well in this tournament to reach the final four after winning seven straight games in a row.
You can follow along all the action from that one on The Independent’s live blog tomorrow.
More from Rohit
17:45 , Ben Fleming
“We gave them chances they didn’t taken them. But credit to them with the batting. Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson batted brilliantly. For us, it was important to stay calm. At one point the crowd went silent but that’s the nature of the game.
“We knew we had to pull something out of the hat. A bit of magic. A run-out, a catch or a magic delivery. We tried everything and Mohammed Shami was brilliant.”
Rohit Sharma, Indian captain, speaking after the game
17:41 , Ben Fleming
“I have played a lot of cricket here so I know with any score on this ground you cannot relax. Get the job done as quickly as possible and stay at. We knew there would be pressure on us at some stage, a partnership. We just had to stay collected. That’s what we did. We were very calm even though we were sloppy in the field. That can happen.
“We have had nine perfect games on the field in terms of fielding so these things were bound to happen. I am glad we got the job done in the end. Would 20 or 30 runs fewer have made a difference? It’s hard to say that because they wouldn’t take as many risks. When the scoring rate is about nine all the time you have to take you chances. Sometimes it comes off, sometimes it doesn’t.”
More from Williamson
17:36 , Ben Fleming
“It was tough out there; the ball swung a lot. Initially and so we had to work pretty hard. But like I say credit to India, they thoroughly deserve where they are they played outstandingly.
On his partnership with Mitchell: “It was nice to be out there and give ourselves a bit of a chance. We needed a lot to go our way – naturally if you chasing a total like that.”
On the atmosphere: “A fantastic crowd wasn’t it? An unbelievable atmosphere. Obviously slightly one-sided in their support, but you know, special to be a part of and, you know, fantastic tournament.”
On his takeaways from the tournament: “There were some incredible contributions throughout. I think as a team you know, there’s a real commitment to the cricket we want to play and we wholeheartedly did that.
“You’ve got Rachin [Ravindra] and Daryl Mitchell who were special throughout this whole campaign and on surfaces that varied and certainly – in the second half – were outstanding batting surfaces.
“We showed a lot of fight and I’m really proud of that. Ultimately it’s about moving forward as a team and there have been some really good steps in the right direction.”
Kane Williamson, New Zealand captain, speaking after the game
17:29 , Ben Fleming
”Firstly, congratulations to India. They’ve played outstanding well throughout this competition and perhaps played their best game today. They are a top side of the top of the game. At the halfway stage with about 400 on the board was naturally going to be tough but credit to the guys – a proud effort really to stay in the fight and, at the halfway stage of that innings, kind of give ourselves some hope there in a bit of a chance.”
“A tough game, disappointing to go out in the knockout stages but super proud of the effort that has gone into these seven weeks as a side.”
On their bowling performance: The effort was there and like I said, India are a top-class side with clearly some world-class batsman. They came out and played beautifully well and it didn’t give us a sniff really, and I suppose if you bat first and put 400 on the board, it’s a tick in the batting column and you go out and try to do the job in the second half.”
More from Shami
17:23 , Ben Fleming
“The wicket was very good, lots of runs were scored in the afternoon. There was some fear of dew, the grass had been shaved off from the wicket. If dew was there, it skids on and there’s a chance runs could’ve been made.”
Mohammed Shami speaking after the game
17:14 , Ben Fleming
On his performance “I’ve been waiting for my chance but I try to keep it simple. There’s a lot of focus on variation but I still believe in pitching it up and trying to get wickets that way.”
On getting to the final: “We have come very close in the past but this was a chance that we couldn’t let it go. You never know when the next one will come around.”
INDIA WIN BY 70 RUNS TO REACH WORLD CUP FINAL
17:11 , Ben Fleming
What a performance from the hosts.
INDIA WIN BY 70 RUNS TO REACH WORLD CUP FINAL
17:03 , Ben Fleming
It’s third time lucky for India, who have been knocked out of the World Cup at the semi-final stage in 2015 and 2019.
But they’ve been imperious this tournament, yet to lose a game and they deservedly reach the final in front of their home fans.
They’ll line up against either South Africa or Australia – what a task that will be one of them.
WICKET! Ferguson c Rahul b Shami 6 (New Zealand 327 all out)
16:58 , Ben Fleming
Shami has seven and India are into the World Cup final!
Six and out for Ferguson as he launches Shami into the stands before edging behind with the very next ball. Shami becomes the first Indian to take seven in a World Cup game and he’s played a guiding role in this victory.
The hosts win emphatically in the end by 70 runs and they will take their place in Sunday’s final.
WICKET! Southee c Rahul b Shami 9 (New Zealand 321-9)
16:57 , Ben Fleming
Death, taxes, and Shami tacking wickets in this World Cup. Back into the attack and he pops up with another wicket, drawing the edge of Southee as Rahul takes the catch behind the stumps.
He’ll fancy seven…
WICKET! Santner c Rohit b Siraj 9 (New Zealand 319-8)
16:53 , Ben Fleming
Another one falls as Santner skies it to Rohit at extra cover. Siraj has his first; the Kiwis eight down now.
New Zealand 313-7 (47) Santner 7, Southee 4, Bumrah 1-64 (10), NZ need 85 from 18 balls
16:49 , Ben Fleming
Bumrah bowling his final over now as this game begins to wind down. There are plenty of glum faces in the Kiwi dressing room – they’ve given it a good effort but will fall short.
Rohit has a chance but it’s spilled! The Indian captain loses it in the lights and can’t keep a hold of it. Only five from the other, though, and it’s another good spell which comes to an end for Bumrah.
New Zealand 308-7 (46) Santner 4, Southee 1, Shami 5-50 (10), NZ need 90 from 24 balls
16:45 , Ben Fleming
Southee is the new man in the middle but he can do little. He swings away with effort but there’s just two coming from the over.
Shami’s spell is done and dusted. 5-50 is quite superb and he’s surely won the game for his side in the second innings.
WICKET! Mitchell c Jadeja b Shami 134 (New Zealand 306/7)
16:41 , Ben Fleming
Five for Shami as Mitchell falls!
The ball just keep following Jadeja around the field as he takes yet another catch – this time at cow corner – to remove Mitchell, who has played a superb knock to give his side even the faintest chance in this game.
That wicket also gives Shami his fifth – what a superb performance it has been from him. India surely now can’t be caught.
New Zealand 306-6 (45) Santner 4, Mitchell 134, Bumrah 1-59 (9), NZ need 95 from 30 balls
16:39 , Ben Fleming
Bumrah at the death is not the man you want to be facing when you need a mountain of runs. And he’s keeping it tight, varying his length and speed with great skill.
The Kiwis can only muscle seven from it. India are on the brink now.
New Zealand 299-6 (44) Santner 0, Mitchell 132, Kuldeep 1-56 (10), NZ need 99 from 36 balls
16:34 , Ben Fleming
Just the four runs of that Kuldeep final over. Superb given where we are in the innings and another great spell from the leg spinner, going at just over 5.5 runs per over.
Santner is the new man but he’s got an almost impossible job on his hands. The Kiwis need 99 from six overs.
WICKET! Chapman c Jadeja b Kuldeep 2 (New Zealand 298-6)
16:32 , Ben Fleming
Two quickfire wickets as Chapman falls after only five balls. Just like Phillips, he is caught by Jadeja, who this time is stationed out at deep square leg. Kuldeep gets a wicket in his last over and the Kiwis are in all sorts of trouble.
New Zealand 295-5 (43) Chapman 0, Mitchell 131, Bumrah 1-52 (8), NZ need 103 from 42 balls
16:29 , Ben Fleming
Chapman blocks out his first ball but it’s a mammoth task for him as he joins Mitchell at the crease.
103 from 42 for the Kiwis.
WICKET! Phillips c Jadeja b Bumrah 41 (New Zealand 295-5)
16:27 , Ben Fleming
A fortunate boundary from Phillips as he jobs away past Rahul. It’s a welcome boundary but they need plenty more at this stage of the innings.
Phillips won’t be hitting any more, though, as he holds out to Jadeja in the deep. Calm under pressure, he takes the catch and Phillips has to head to the dugout. Bumrah with his first wicket of the game.
New Zealand 288-4 (42) Phillips 37, Mitchell 128, Kuldeep 0-52 (9), NZ need 110 from 48 balls
16:22 , Ben Fleming
A superb over from Kuldeep – back in the attack – to put India in charge. Just two runs from the leg spinner and New Zealand now need almost 14 runs an over. That looks a tall order from here.
New Zealand 286-4 (41) Phillips 36, Mitchell 127, Siraj 0-71 (8), NZ need 112 from 54 balls
16:17 , Ben Fleming
Kuldeep still has overs to bowl but India persist with Siraj for now. And Phillips takes advantage, scything him away and into the stands for six as Siraj’s delivery is just a fraction short.
And again! Down the ground and back-to-back sixes for Phillips now. Could this be the big over to give themselves a slither of hope? Perhaps it could as Phillips carves it away for another boundary.
Almost another boundary off the last but superb fielding from Gill to prevent the fourth boundary. Still, 20 runs coming from it for the Kiwis.
New Zealand 266-4 (40) Phillips 19, Mitchell 126, Shami 4-48 (8), NZ need 132 from 60 balls
16:10 , Ben Fleming
Shot! It was a good over from Shami up to that point but Mitchell ensures he gets something from the over with a superb ramp shot for six.
Nine off the over but the run rate is over 13 now. A big ask for these two Kiwi batters.
New Zealand 257-4 (39) Phillips 18, Mitchell 118, Siraj 0-44 (7), NZ need 141 from 66 balls
16:05 , Ben Fleming
250 comes up for New Zealand as Phillips slices one past short third man. Mitchell gets in on the act, now, as he slaps a wide one past the man on the off side boundary.
Almost a run out! Mitchell was long gone but Jadeja couldn’t hit the stumps with his throw. A good over for New Zealand – they take 12 from it.
New Zealand 245-4 (38) Phillips 11, Mitchell 113, Shami 4-39 (7) target 398
15:59 , Ben Fleming
A change of ends from Shami as he comes back in. He’s still got four remaining and he’ll be eyeing up a five-wicket haul to see his side through to the final.
But Mitchell is not going down without a fight as he launches another one into the stands! His sixth six of the innings now.
Nine runs coming from the over but New Zealand need more than that at this stage of the chase.
New Zealand 236-4 (37) Phillips 9, Mitchell 106, Siraj 0-39 (6), target 398
15:53 , Ben Fleming
Siraj is back into the attack. He was a tad expensive in his first spell but it’s a good return, conceding just five of his first over back.
New Zealand 231-4 (36) Phillips 6, Mitchell 105, Jadeja 0-63 (10), target 398
15:46 , Ben Fleming
An appeal for LBW off the first ball but the umpire is unmoved. Rahul doesn’t think it was out and he was right – there’s clearly some glove on it before it crashes into the pads.
And now, here’s an issue. We mentioned it before the Kiwi innings but here are the first signs of cramp from one of their batters as Mitchell hits the turf. He is pivotal to any hopes New Zealand have got so they’ll be hoping he’s not affected too badly.
As play resumes, Phillips kickstarts his innings with a welcome boundary as he cuts Jadeja through backward point.
Seven off the over and that’s Jadeja’s final one. 0-63 is more than good enough given how many runs India have to defend.
New Zealand 224-4 (35) Phillips 1, Mitchell 103, Shami 4-30 (6) target 398
15:39 , Ben Fleming
Another good over from India as just three run are scored by New Zealand. The required run rate is only going to keep rocketing from here but New Zealand have to keep their heads.
New Zealand 221-4 (34) Phillips 0, Mitchell 101, Jadeja 0-56 (9), target 398
15:33 , Ben Fleming
Jadeja tightens the screws and adds to the pressure building on the Kiwis once again. Just one off the over as Phillips tries to play himself in on this surface.
New Zealand 220-4 (33) Phillips 0, Mitchell 100, Shami 4-27 (5) target 398
15:31 , Ben Fleming
The new man Phillips blocks out the last two balls of the over from Shami but those six balls have changed the complexion of this game and the feel inside this stadium.
The Kiwi all-rounder has a huge job to do alongside Mitchell now. The required run rate is almost at 10.5 runs per over…
WICKET! Latham lbw b Shami 0 (New Zealand 220-4)
15:27 , Ben Fleming
Shami does it again! Two in the over and what a tournament he is having.
Latham is caught on the pads and it’s a no-brainer for the umpire. His rotten tournament continues but that’s all four wickets this for Shami this game. A remarkable four-and-a-bit overs from him so far.
WICKET! Williamson c Yadav b Shami 69 (New Zealand 220-3)
15:24 , Ben Fleming
Huge wicket! Just as Mitchell went to a century, Williamson is out as the captain’s attempts a big heave into the leg side. There’s just not enough on it and Yadav takes the catch on the boundary rope.
A massive wicket – again from Shami – and the big partnership is broken.
New Zealand 220-2 (32.1) Williamson 68, Mitchell 100, Shami 2-27 (4.1) target 398
15:24 , Ben Fleming
Mitchell on strike…and he finds the single! A superb innings from the Kiwi no.4 who brings up his second century of the tournament but there’s plenty more to do for him and Williamson.
New Zealand 219-2 (32) Williamson 68, Mitchell 99, Jadeja 0-55 (8), target 398
15:22 , Ben Fleming
Jadeja is back on after drinks and still signs of plenty of turn coming from this pitch. But Williamson takes control as he pulls one away into the gap on the leg side for four.
A single off the last ball for Mitchell. He’s on 99 now…
New Zealand 213-2 (31) Williamson 64, Mitchell 97, Bumrah 0-45 (7), target 398
15:15 , Ben Fleming
What a way to bring up 200! Mitchell with another superb six as he smashes Bumrah into the stands. There’s a worried look on captain Rohit’s face as the camera pans his way. They need a wicket, and fast.
Williamson gets in on the act as he carves a yorker away to the boundary. 14 off the over and plenty to consider for both sides as we pause for drinks.
New Zealand 199-2 (30) Williamson 58, Mitchell 90, Kuldeep 0-50 (8), target 398
15:09 , Ben Fleming
New Zealand need exactly ten an over from this stage, so India are still heavy favourites, but the longer these two stay in that may begin to change.
Mitchell finds a single of Kuldeep to bring up their 150-run partnership. More runs now as Williamson slog sweeps the spinner into the gap for four. Mitchell joins in on the act with a reverse sweep as the Kiwis take 11 off the over.
New Zealand 188-2 (29) Williamson 53, Mitchell 84, Bumrah 0-31 (6), target 398
15:05 , Ben Fleming
India make a change after that good period for New Zealand as Bumrah comes back into the attack. Mitchell isn’t settling, in though, as he swings him away to the ropes for another boundary.
Chance and dropped! Wow, how big a moment could that be? Williamson clubs it straight to Shami but it’s inexplicably dropped from the Indian bowler. That was a simple chance and what a let-off for the Kiwi captain.
Eight runs off the over.
New Zealand 180-2 (28) Williamson 51, Mitchell 78, Kuldeep 0-39 (7), target 398
14:59 , Ben Fleming
And now a cute reverse sweep from Mitchell as the ball races away to the boundary again. Some louder chanting from the crowds now, perhaps sensing this is a pivotal period of the game for their side.
Six runs from the over.
New Zealand 174-2 (27) Williamson 51, Mitchell 72, Jadeja 0-49 (7), target 398
14:57 , Ben Fleming
There’s been a bit more turn on offer these last few overs…but that’s no issue for Mitchell as he launches a thunderous six into the stands.
Another huge blow from the Kiwi batter – over 100 metres – who has rapidly moved into the 70s now. That’s the biggest six of the tournament!
New Zealand 165-2 (26) Williamson 50, Mitchell 64, Kuldeep 0-33 (6), target 398
14:54 , Ben Fleming
Williamson now finds his half-century as he pushes one down the ground.
Fifties for both these batters now, who are building a healthy platform for their side here after the early wickets of Ravindra and Conway.
Having said that, both almost give away their wickets. Mitchell’s slog is mistimed but lands safely before WIlliamson almost chops on a spinning delivery from Kuldeep. A good response from the Indian spinner.
New Zealand 161-2 (25) Williamson 48, Mitchell 62, Jadeja 0-40 (6), target 398
14:49 , Ben Fleming
India are persisting with spin from both ends but Mitchell fancies his chances and thumps Jadeja down the ground for another six! A touch full from Jadeja and Mitchell is so strong down the ground.
Ten runs coming from the over; another good one for New Zealand.
New Zealand 151-2 (24) Williamson 47, Mitchell 53, Kuldeep 0-29 (5), target 398
14:45 , Ben Fleming
Big turn from Kuldeep as he almost catches Williamson out with a snorter of a delivery. A good over from the leg spinner, with just three coming off it.
New Zealand 148-2 (23) Williamson 46, Mitchell 51, Jadeja 0-30 (5), target 398
14:42 , Ben Fleming
A single for Mitchell who brings up a fine half-century. He’s going to need to be there for quite some time yet, you reckon, if New Zealand have a chance in this chase.
And that’s silly from Jadeja. Williamson comes down the track and pats it back to the bowler, who hurls it aggressively at the stumps attempting an unlikely run-out. The ball flies past Rahul, though, and all the way to the boundary. A gift for the Kiwis and seven off the over.
New Zealand 141-2 (22) Williamson 41, Mitchell 49, Kuldeep 0-26 (4), target 398
14:39 , Ben Fleming
A good response from Kuldeep at the other end…until the last ball which Williamson punishes, giving himself room and crunching it through the vacant off side boundary. The 100 partnership comes up for these two.
New Zealand 133-2 (21) Williamson 34, Mitchell 48, Jadeja 0-23 (4), target 398
14:35 , Ben Fleming
Close from Mitchell who almost offers up a catch to the bowler but Jadeja can’t quite get to that one.
That’s more like it from the Kiwi batter – what a shot! Down the pitch and clobbered into the stands for six. Nine off the over for New Zealand.
New Zealand 124-2 (20) Williamson 32, Mitchell 41, Kuldeep 0-18 (3), target 398
14:31 , Ben Fleming
A sloppy misfield from Bumrah allows Mitchell’s push to run away to the boundary. These two are building a nice partnership but there is still plenty to do.
New Zealand 118-2 (19) Williamson 31, Mitchell 36, Jadeja 0-10 (3), target 398
14:27 , Ben Fleming
Spin from both ends as Jadeja comes back into the attack. It’s a tight one from an Indian perspective, with just four runs coming from it.
New Zealand 114-2 (18) Williamson 30, Mitchell 33, Kuldeep 0-12 (2), target 398
14:24 , Ben Fleming
Four byes now after a mistake from Rahul behind the stumps but there’s more drama and a run out appeal. India like the look of this…
Goodness me that is close! Williamson is out of his ground but he’s saved by the fact that Rahul had broken the stumps with his gloves before the balls were in his hands. The Kiwi skipper had started walking back to the dugout but he survives.
New Zealand 109-2 (17.3) Williamson 29, Mitchell 33, Kuldeep 0-11 (1.3), target 398
14:19 , Ben Fleming
Another boundary, this time from Williamson as he sweeps it away to the boundary, with Shreyas unable to prevent it.
But now there’s an appeal for LBW. The umpire turns it down again but India send it up to the third umpire for a review. It’s tight but it’s umpire’s call on ball tracking meaning the on-field decision remains.
New Zealand 104-2 (17) Williamson 25, Mitchell 32, Shami 2-26 (4), target 398
14:16 , Ben Fleming
Shot! A bit overpitched from Shami and it’s smoked over the top and for six from Mitchell.
And now he follows up with a four – New Zealand beginning to find their mojo here. 11 from the over as they pass 100.
New Zealand 93-2 (16) Williamson 25, Mitchell 21, Yadav 0-6 (1), target 398
14:11 , Ben Fleming
Another bowling change for India as Yadav replaces Jadeja. They did well against the leg spinner in the group stages so will fancy their chances again tonight. Six off the first over.
New Zealand 87-2 (15) Williamson 23, Mitchell 17, Siraj 0-34 (5), target 398
14:05 , Ben Fleming
Up…and six! Williamson gets a huge top edge, but it flies away to the boundary ropes for six. The first of the game for New Zealand.
More runs now as Williamson inside edges one for another four. Welcome runs for the Kiwis but pretty unlucky for Siraj as he concedes 13 off the over.
Time for drinks.
New Zealand 74-2 (14) Williamson 11, Mitchell 16, Jadeja 0-10 (2), target 398
14:01 , Ben Fleming
Fortunate from Mitchell, as he miscues one up in the air but just over the head of short cover. Some signs of turn for Jadeja there.
Just two off the over for Jadeja to put the pressure back on New Zealand. The required run rate is now up to nine and over for the batting side.
New Zealand 72-2 (13) Williamson 11, Mitchell 14, Siraj 0-21 (4), target 398
13:58 , Ben Fleming
More much-needed aggression from New Zealand as Williamson finds back-to-back fours. The first is rather fortunate but the second is crunched through the off side.
Ouch! The Kiwi captain takes one on the body straight after but he’s alright to continue. Ten off the over – another production one for the batting side.
New Zealand 62-2 (12) Williamson 5, Mitchell 14, Jadeja 0-8 (1), target 398
13:52 , Ben Fleming
And straight into the attack comes Jadeja and nearly into the wickets! Mitchell looks to reverse sweep it and the ball pops up to slip. India think he’s edged it but it’s off the arm so nothing doing.
Mitchell has started well and finds another boundary as Jadeja loses his line. A no ball, too, from the spinner but Mitchell can only muscle a single off the extra ball.
A good over for the Kiwis – eight of it – but that’s the rate they have to score at every over if they are to get close to India’s total.
New Zealand 54-2 (11) Williamson 4, Mitchell 9, Siraj 0-16 (3), target 398
13:48 , Ben Fleming
New Zealand bring up their 50 in style as Mitchell smashes one aerially over cover. A super response from Siraj – replacing Bumrah – who beats the inside edge, but Mitchell gets the upper hand again as he pulls a short one away for four.
Eight off the over and the first signs of Jadeja warming up for a bowl in the field.
New Zealand 46-2 (10) Williamson 4, Mitchell 1, Shami 2-15 (3), target 398
13:43 , Ben Fleming
The first loose delivery from Shami as the ball races down leg side and to the boundary ropes for five wides. Mitchell takes a quick single to get off the mark before Shami again threatens Williamson’s outside edge with a fine delivery. The Kiwi captain is struggling to get going so far.
New Zealand 40-2 (9) Williamson 4, Mitchell 0, Bumrah 0-23 (5), target 398
13:38 , Ben Fleming
Bumrah is into his fifth over now and it’s much better control now from the Indian quick. Williamson plays out a maiden over.
New Zealand 40-2 (8) Williamson 4, Mitchell 0, Shami 2-9 (2), target 398
13:35 , Ben Fleming
One wide coming from the rest of Shami’s over as Mitchell makes his way to the crease now. A huge rebuild job for him and Williamson now but they can’t afford to take too much time doing that given the mammoth total set by India.
WICKET! Ravindra c Rahul b Shami 13 (New Zealand 39-2)
13:32 , Ben Fleming
You cannot keep Shami out of the game! Ravindra gets the better of him with a crunching shot for four, but the Indian pace responds in emphatic style, drawing the edge from the Kiwi opener and his second wicket.
Both openers are gone now for New Zealand and both dismissed by the electric Shami.
New Zealand 35-1 (7) Williamson 4, Ravindra 9, Bumrah 0-23 (4), target 398
13:27 , Ben Fleming
The ball is still moving six overs into this one as Bumrah beats the outside edge of Williamson who tentatively pushes at that one.
Is that out? India think it is and appeal furiously for a caught behind but nothing doing for the umpire. A good decision as replays show it flicked the pad and not the bad on the way through to Rahul.
‘It feels like a dream’: Virat Kohli reacts to record-breaking ODI ton in Cricket World Cup semi-final
13:24 , Ben Fleming
Virat Kohli has hailed his record-breaking 50th one day international (ODI) hundred as the “stuff of dreams” after powering India to a mammoth total in their Cricket World Cup semi-final against New Zealand.
The 35-year-old surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of 49 ODI tons to take the record outright.
Kohli’s third hundred of the tournament helped India to a score of 397/4 off of their 50 overs in Mumbai.
The record-setting knock came exactly ten years after Tendulkar’s international farewell at the Wankhede Stadium, with the “Little Master” in attendance to watch his mark be surpassed.
And Kohli paid tribute to “his hero” after making history.
“The great man [Sachin Tendulkar] just congratulated me,” Kohli said to the host broadcaster after making 117 from 113 balls. “All this feels like a dream to me, honestly. It’s too good to be true.
If you just arriving, catch up with the first innings and the thoughts of Virat Kohli after another record-breaking knock from India’s star man:
‘It feels like a dream’: Virat Kohli reacts to record-breaking ODI ton
New Zealand 34-1 (6) Williamson 4, Ravindra 8, Shami 1-4 (1), target 398
13:23 , Ben Fleming
Kane Williamson is the new man and he’s straight under pressure from Shami, who is charging in with pace and purpose.
But a good response from the Kiwi captain who pushes the last ball of the over past point for a boundary.
WICKET! Conway c Rahul b Shami 13 (NZ 30-1)
13:19 , Ben Fleming
Shambi into the attack and into the wickets! First ball from the in-form pacer and he draws a big shot and a thick edge from Conway.
Rahul dives well to his left and snaffles up the opportunity. A big wicket for India.
New Zealand 30-0 (5) Conway 13, Ravindra 8, Bumrah 0-22 (3), target 398
13:17 , Ben Fleming
More wides from Bumrah, who is having a nightmare start now. The second one races down to the boundary – a welcome five runs for New Zealand.
A good response, though, as he fires one into Conway’s pads. A single for the batting side as Ravindra faces Bumrah for the first time this innings, now. Four dots to end the over.
New Zealand 23-0 (4) Conway 12, Ravindra 8, Siraj 0-8 (2), target 398
13:11 , Ben Fleming
Siraj, though, is hitting his lines and lengths with supreme accuracy so far. A testy start for Ravindra who plays and misses on several occasions, before impeccably timing one of his hips to find the boundary rope. A great response.
New Zealand 19-0 (3) Conway 12, Ravindra 4, Bumrah 0-15 (2), target 398
13:06 , Ben Fleming
Bumrah tempts Conway outside the off stump again and the Kiwi plays and misses. A real game of risk and reward early on for the Kiwi openers. A couple of wides before Conway leans on another, pushing it past point for another boundary.
A surprising lack of control from Bumrah early on.
New Zealand 12-0 (2) Conway 8, Ravindra 4, Siraj 0-4 (1), target 398
13:00 , Ben Fleming
A huge game for Ravindra, this, in his fledgling international career. He’s had a mighty fine tournament so far but his side will need another sterling knock from the youngster to give themselves a chance in this chase.
Siraj takes the new ball from the other end and he starts well, angling the ball in and trying to cramp the left-hander for room. But he gives him width with the penultimate ball and Ravindra guides him away wide of the slips for four.
New Zealand 8-0 (1) Conway 8, Ravindra 0, Bumrah 0-8 (1), target 398
12:56 , Ben Fleming
Well, that is some way to start for the Kiwis! Width on offer from Bumrah and Conway crunches it through the off side for four of the first ball!
More width on offer and Conway cashes in again! A solid start from Conway but Bumrah fights back well in the over as he beats the left-hander’s bat with a devilish delivery which nips off the surface.
Reasons for encouragement for both sides early on.
India set New Zealand 398 to win
12:53 , Ben Fleming
The wait is over as both sides make their way to the middle for the second innings. The Kiwis have a mammoth task on their hands you have to think.
India set New Zealand 398 to win
12:50 , Ben Fleming
Legendary English footballer David Beckham is a surprise guest in attendance today as he visits the country as part of his role with Unicef.
Speaking to Sky Sports on his experience, he said: “It’s a real pleasure to be in this stadium and witness a bit of history. I’ve spent some of the day with Sachin [Tendulkar] and I know what he achieved in this stadium and for this country and the sport. But to see Virat do it today is just truly incredible.
“You can see the atmosphere in the stadium and I’ve clearly come to India for the first time at the right time. I’ve been here for Diwali and New Year and now for my first game in the World Cup and it’s very special.”
India set New Zealand 398 to win
12:47 , Ben Fleming
One thing to watch will be the conditions here in Mumbai. Towards the end of his innings, Kohli was visibly cramping up and that will surely be a problem, too, for the Kiwi batters who will have just spent 50 overs in the field.
India set New Zealand 398 to win
12:40 , Ben Fleming
More from Kohli: “As I said before a lot of times, for me the most important thing is helping the team to win. Whatever it takes to do that, I am ready to do that. Running singles, running twos, hitting boundaries – whatever the team wants me to do.
“I have been given a role for this tournament and I am doing that to the best of my abilities, dig deep, bat long. So the others can play around me. I have that confidence to go into the late overs where I can dominate as well. That’s the only key to consistency, I guess. Playing the situation for the team at all times.”
India set New Zealand 398 to win
12:36 , Sonia Twigg
Kohli on his celebration: “As I said it’s the stuff of dreams. It’s very difficult for me to explain this but if I could paint a picture it would be this picture.
“My life partner, the person I love the most, she’s sitting there – my hero, he’s sitting there and I was able to get the 50 in front of all these fans and such a historic venue, so it’s amazing.”
India set New Zealand 398 to win
12:33 , Sonia Twigg
Virat Kohli said, on his century: “The great man (Tendulkar) has just congratulated me, all of this for me feels like a dream, honestly.
“It’s too good to be true, it feels surreal, I never thought I would be here ever in my career, just to help the team so many times – again a big game today, I had to play the role that I’d played throughout the tournament so that the guys around me could go and express themselves, I’m just glad that everything came together so nicely and we put up a great total on the board.”
India set New Zealand 398 to win
12:32 , Ben Fleming
That score of 397 by the hosts is the highest score in a men’s 50-over World Cup knockout match. That is going to take quite some catch from this New Zealand side who, ironically, held the previous record for the highest knockout-stage score when they scored 393-6 against West Indies in the 2015 World Cup.
India set New Zealand 398 to win
12:26 , Sonia Twigg
That was an absolutely dominant innings from India, started by Rohit Sharma, but led by Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer who both scored centuries.
There could have been no better batting performance, and here are some of the best photos:
India score 397 for four! KL Rahul 39, Gill 80, Southee 3-100 (10)
12:22 , Sonia Twigg
Now this is interesting, instead of Jadeja, it will be Shubman Gill who returns having retired for 79 from 65, he seems to be running okay and hits a single first ball.
KL Rahul has launched a big six, the magic 400 score is now within touching distance…
There’s a dot and just two balls left, it would take two sixes, but they have hit so many already today.
Just a four from KL Rahul and there’s one more to come…and it’s another four to finish off proceedings.
Wicket! Suryakumar Yadav out for 1! ct Phillips b Southee – India 382-4
12:18 , Sonia Twigg
Yadav goes for a big hit and can only fire it straight into the air, he is out for one.
India 382-3 (49) KL Rahul 25, Yadav 1, Boult 1-86 (10)
12:17 , Sonia Twigg
Suryakumar Yadav will face the final ball of Boult’s over and picks up a single off the first ball.
Wicket! Shreyas Iyer out for 105! – India 381-3
12:15 , Sonia Twigg
KL Rahul has got in on the six-hitting action, with a big leg-side launch from the first ball of Boult’s over, and it’s a massive one, over 100 metres.
The next delivery is sliced away for four.
Iyer has another boundary, between mid on and deep midwicket, he has perfectly picked the gap to bring up another boundary.
He goes for another big hit, but this time he has been caught down the ground. It was an exceptional display of power-hitting.
India 366-2 (48) Iyer 101, KL Rahul 14, Southee 2-85 (9)
12:11 , Sonia Twigg
Iyer’s century came off just 67 deliveries, he has attacked from the outset, and could be the key in trying to see India through to a total of more than 400.
After that six at the start, it was a good rest of an over from
Shreyas Iyer 100! – India 361-2
12:08 , Sonia Twigg
Iyer launches the ball into the crowd to move on to 99…and he brings up back to back hundreds with a single down the ground.
It was a brilliant innings, a lot of sixes and he came out firing!
India 354-2 (47) Iyer 93, Rahul 10, Boult 0-70 (9)
12:05 , Sonia Twigg
Rahul moves on to 10 with a four off Boult, but it’s the only boundary off a good and important over.
India 347-2 (46) Iyer 91, KL Rahul, Southee 2-73 (8)
12:01 , Sonia Twigg
Southee will bowl his eighth here, and first the two balls were singles before Rahul has dispatched one for four!
Conway slid and went to stop it with his foot but was left holding his knee.
Iyer was struck in the midrif with the final ball of the over and drops to a squat in pain, he will have to wear that one but it will hurt.
India 341-2 (45) Iyer 90, KL Rahul 1, Ravindra 0-60 (7)
11:56 , Sonia Twigg
Ravindra will bowl his seventh and Iyer has launched the first ball into the top tier to move into the 80s…
Two singles, and Iyer has smashed him for another six, it did not seem the best time for him to bowl, and that might well be his last over.
Kohli out for 117! India 327-2 (44) Iyer 77, Southee 2-67 (7)
11:51 , Sonia Twigg
Ferguson might be done here, it is hot and humid out there and it will be massively affecting all fast bowlers.
Southee has been asked to bowl here…and Kohli has been dropped! How much is that going to cost New Zealand!?
Kohli charges down the pitch and flicks to the off side but Phillips can’t hold on despite getting his hands to the ball. That is disappointing.
He follows it up with a big six over Phillips’ head as if to just rub in just how costly that could be even though he already has a century.
But another flick and he has to go! Conway has held on to that, and New Zealand have their wicket!
India 314-1 (43) Kohli 107, Iyer 74, Ravindra 0-46 (6)
11:46 , Sonia Twigg
Ravindra started the 43rd over with a wide, and now it is all about just stemming the flow of runs for New Zealand, India are going to throw the bat at everything.
Just after that, Iyer has smashed another six, it is not a pretty shot, flat-paddled down the ground, but he has another six.
India 303-1 (42) Kohli 106, Iyer 66, Ferguson 0-65 (8)
11:42 , Sonia Twigg
The century has cut Kohli loose, all that pressure has gone and he has launched the ball for another boundary to take the team total to over 300.
Virat Kohli 100! – India 297-1
11:40 , Sonia Twigg
Ferguson is into his eighth over and Kohli came onto strike from the first ball, but he can only get a single to take him on to 98.
And he has his 50th ODI century, he stands at the top of the summit, he has overtaken Tendulkar, and he has done something incredible!
He holds his hands up and bows down, but it is an incredible achievement.
The milestone came when the ball was flashed to the boundary behind square for two runs.
India 292-1 (41) Kohli 97, Iyer 64, Ravindra 0-34 (5)
11:36 , Sonia Twigg
Ravindra will have another over, it’s only his fifth.
But he has kept it tight and the runs down to just singles. New Zealand have reviewed for caught behind against Iyer.
The ball was not close to the bat and it seemed like a review out of desperation rather than genuine conviction.
Kohli finishes the over on 97…
India 287-1 (10) Kohli 95, Iyer 61, Ferguson 0-54 (7)
11:31 , Sonia Twigg
Ferguson is back onto the attack, Kohli moves on to 94 with a single.
Iyer finds the gap to hit another boundary, he has timed that perfectly. Kohli raced through for a single.
There are 10 overs left, can India reach 400?
India 277-1 (39) Kohli 93, Iyer 54, Santner 0-51 (10)
11:26 , Sonia Twigg
Kohli starts Santner’s last over on 92 runs, will he reach the three figures this over or will the wait go on?
He nudges a single from the second ball so might have to wait. Kohli also looks like he has a bit of cramp..and was he dropped?!
He pushed at one and it was just short of cover, but not comfortable, he will finish on 93.
India 275-1 (38) Kohli 92, Iyer 53, Boult 0-64 (8)
11:21 , Sonia Twigg
Boult has bowled a bit better this over, just singles from it.
Iyer 50! India 270-1 Kohli 89, Iyer 51, Santner 0-49 (9)
11:17 , Sonia Twigg
Every run is being cheered, and with every boundary the fans are on their feet. They want to see a century from Kohli, but it is Iyer who might reach his milestone first as he closes in on a half century.
And brings it up from 35 balls, his fourth consecutive 50, he can really go for it now. Five singles from the over.
India 264-1 (36) Kohli 85, Iyer 49, Boult 0-59 (7)
11:13 , Sonia Twigg
Kohli has launched the first ball of the next over for a boundary however, just as the pressure had been starting to build from the maiden, and it is released, he moves on to 85.
Iyer has been more attacking, his fourth six, and that one went a long way into the crowd! He follows it up with a flashed four from a full toss, he is really stepping up the pressure here with just under 15 overs remaining.
That was a massive over, 17 runs from it.
India 248-1 (35) K0hli 80, Iyer 38, Santner 0-44 (8)
11:09 , Sonia Twigg
Santner is into his eighth over. but he has bowled well and closes out a maiden, I think that is the first one of the innings.
India 247-1 (34) Kohli 80, Iyer 38, Phillips 0-33 (5)
11:05 , Sonia Twigg
Phillips will continue, and Kohli has become the player with the most runs in a single Cricket World Cup, with 674, overtaking Sachin Tendulkar.
Iyer has launched another six down the ground. New Zealand are really struggling to contain here, and they haven’t been able to take wickets all match.
Another 10 runs from the over.
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