Virat Kohli makes history in WC 2023 Final: First Indian to score 50+ Runs in Semi-Final and Final
Virat Kohli etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming first Indian to score 50+ Runs in Semi-Final and Final.
Ahmedabad: In a historic moment during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final clash between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium, batting maestro Virat Kohli etched his name in the annals of cricket history. The 35-year-old stalwart became the first Indian cricketer to achieve the remarkable feat of scoring fifty or more runs in both the semi-final and final of the same ODI World Cup.
Virat Kohli’s pivotal contribution came in the high-stakes summit clash against Australia, marking him as the eighth batter in World Cup history to secure a half-century in both the semi-final and final of a single edition. The exclusive list includes cricket luminaries like Mike Brearley (1979), David Boon (1987), Javed Miandad (1992), Aravinda de Silva (1996), Grant Elliot (2015), and Steven Smith (2015).
In the crucial final against Australia, Kohli, alongside KL Rahul, orchestrated a significant third-wicket partnership, amassing 67 runs. His innings, unfortunately, concluded at 54 off 63 balls when he played onto a short delivery from Australian captain Pat Cummins in the 29th over. Kohli’s departure left India at 148 for 4, adding a twist to the intense encounter.
Australia’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss proved strategic on the slow Motera pitch. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill started cautiously but were separated early, with Mitchell Starc dismissing Gill in the 5th over. Skipper Rohit, aiming for a substantial innings, fell victim to Glenn Maxwell’s bowling while trying to accelerate the scoring. The pressure intensified when Iyer departed, courtesy of Cummins in his second over.
The unexpected early wickets silenced the massive 1.30 lakh Indian crowd at the world’s largest stadium, setting the stage for a gripping contest between the cricketing giants.
Ms Kalinga