On November 15, in Mumbai, India overcame New Zealand during the first semi-final in the ODI World Cup 2023. The Men in Blue defeated the BlackCaps by 70 runs to go to the CWC 2023 final.
India scored 397/4 in 50 overs with the help of hundreds from Virat Kohli, who scored his 50th ODI hundred. He had a stunning partnership with Shreyas Iyer who notched up his second consecutive ton. There were great efforts from Shubman Gill who retired hurt after suffering from cramps. At the top, Rohit Sharma was clinical once again but could not get a big one this time around.
After that, New Zealand didn’t give up without a fight as well. A stunning knock of 69 runs from Kane Williamson was a stepping stone for his side. Daryl Mitchell supported him well as he scored his second consecutive hundred against the hosts. Mohammed Shami’s clinical spell helped India advance to the final. The speedster took seven crucial wickets to make sure India managed to win over the mighty Black Caps.
Ravindra Jadeja takes home fielding medal
Following tradition, India’s fielding coach T Dilip declared the name of the semi-final match’s best fielder medal winner. A few possibilities included the outstanding outfielder Mohammed Siraj, the outstanding hat-trick-taking Ravindra Jadeja, and the outstanding behind-the-stumps KL Rahul.
Jadeja had been unstoppable at backward point and subsequently made three straight catches in the deep. Devon Conway was well caught by KL Rahul diving, and he played a tidy match.
As T Dilip was about to make the announcement and commend KL Rahul for his play, the keeper informed the coach that Rahul ought to receive the medal. However, Dilip requested that the players view the winner on the little TV in the changing room.
Thanks to his catches, Ravindra Jadeja was awarded the Best Fielder medal, which he accepted from Suryakumar Yadav.Prior to presenting Jadeja with the medal, Suryakumar Yadav jokingly said, “Cheete ki chaal, Baaz ki nazar, aur Royal Navghan ki fielding se koi nahi bach sakta.”
