Shubman Gill scores a half century against New Zealand in the semi-final
(REUTERS)
India and New Zealand go head-to-head in the first of the Cricket World Cup semi-finals when they clash in Mumbai. The World Cup 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 to maintain their tag as the tournament favourites.
Rohit Sharma leads an impressive side with aggressive opener Shubman Gill, legendary batter Virat Kohli and a plethora of attacking bowling options from Jasprit Bumrah to Kuldeep Yadav.
Though they bring all the momentum into the knockout stages India will be nervous for this knockout game. They also topped the group stage standings in England four years ago before losing to New Zealand in the semis at Old Trafford.
New Zealand, meanwhile, started the competition in spectacular fashion with a huge win over England before stuttering towards the knockout rounds following a series of injuries to key personnel. They have reached another white-ball tournament semi-final and have the experience to challenge India today.
Follow all the action from the semi-final below plus get all the Cricket World Cup odds and tips here:
India 150-1 (20) Gill 74, Kohli 26, Phillips 0-14 (2)
Phillips will continue, but this time Gill has come down the ground and hit over the top for another six.
There had just been a couple of quieter overs, but that will release any pressure that was built, and New Zealand are struggling a bit here.
India have the 150 from just 20 overs, and there are still 30 to go, they could be on course for a massive total here.
Sonia Twigg15 November 2023 10:02
India 142-1
Here’s a look at one of the stories from earlier today, when David Beckham was a surprise attendee at the Cricket World Cup semi-final:
Beckham walked on to the pitch before the match began with batting legend Sachin Tenduklar, who introduced the Inter Miami owner to the Indian players, and they then took their seats to watch the showdown against the Black Caps.
Sonia Twigg15 November 2023 09:59
India 142-1 (19) Gill 67, Kohli 25, Santner 0-33 (5)
Santner will continue, although the India batters have got after him a little bit today.
After the first four balls, they have just been restricted to singles, Santner has been forced to bowl quicker, but it seems to be working slightly, although he has not been that threatening.
Just four runs from the over.
Sonia Twigg15 November 2023 09:58
India 138-1 (18) Gill 65, Kohli 23, Phillips 0-6 (1)
Glenn Phillips has been brought on for the first time in the semi-final. New Zealand need to stem the flow of runs, but also take another wicket from somewhere.
Six runs from his first over.
Sonia Twigg15 November 2023 09:56
India 132-1 (17) Gill 63, Kohli 19, Santner 0-29 (4)
Gill has just come down the pitch and smashed Santner back over his head for six, it was clever use of the feet and he has made a good connection to send the ball flying over the sight screens.
He follows it up with another boundary, but this time it was well-weighted, a bit of room and he plays an expert late cut to the boundary between third man and point.
Sonia Twigg15 November 2023 09:51
India 121-1 (16) Gill 53, Kohli 18, Ravindra 0-13 (2)
Ravindra’s second over has been a lot tighter, just the three runs from it and all in singles, but it does bring up the 50 partnership between Gill and Kohli.
Sonia Twigg15 November 2023 09:47
India 118-1 (15) Gill 52, Kohli 16, Santner 0-18 (3)
After his first over which went for 11, Santner has kept proceedings tight, and that will bring up drinks.
India have got off to a flying start, and have the ideal platform to put on a massive score, while the Kiwis will be up against it to restrict their scoring and keep the total down to something chaseable.
Sonia Twigg15 November 2023 09:41
India 114-1 (14) Gill 50, Kohli 14, Ravindra 0-11 (1)
Kohli has got in on the action with a four and that will bring an end to Ravindra’s opening over which went for 10.
Sonia Twigg15 November 2023 09:37
Shubman Gill 50! India 109-1
Rachin Ravindra will come into the attack for the first time today, and his first ball went for 2, but Gill has his half century!
He brings it up with a single, and has 50 from 41 deliveries.
Sonia Twigg15 November 2023 09:35
India 104-1 (13) Gill 49, Kohli 5, Ferguson 0-30 (3)
Gill has played Ferguson into the air, but it was also into the gap and he – and India – add another boundary to their already-impressive total.
The next delivery is launched into the air for a big six, to bring the hundred up for India and it also sees Gill move on to 48.
Sonia Twigg15 November 2023 09:33
