In a momentous achievement, batting maestro Virat Kohli etched his title within the annals of cricket historical past by turning into the primary Indian participant to attain a fifty in each the semifinal and ultimate of the identical ODI World Cup 2023. This outstanding feat unfolded in the course of the summit conflict towards Australia on the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, November 19.
Elite membership entry: Virat Kohli’s feat within the pantheon of cricket historical past
Kohli’s accomplishment positioned him in an elite group of batters, marking the eighth occasion of such a particular efficiency within the 48-year historical past of the ODI World Cup. Apparently, Steve Smith, who was additionally taking part in the CWC 2023 ultimate for Australia, was the final batter to attain this milestone, undertaking the dual landmark fifties in the course of the 2015 semifinal and ultimate.
Batters who scored 50-plus runs within the semifinal and ultimate of an ODI World Cup
- Mike Getting (England) – 1979 World Cup
- David Boon (Australia) – 1987 World Cup
- Javed Miandad (Pakistan) – 1992 World Cup
- Aravinda da Silva ( Sri Lanka) – 1996 World Cup
- Grant Elliot (New Zealand) – 2015 World Cup
- Steve Smith (Australia) – 2015 World Cup
- Virat Kohli (India) – 2023 World Cup
Additionally READ: South Africa legend AB de Villiers picks his private favorite ODI century from Virat Kohli – CWC 2023
Kohli’s impactful innings within the summit conflict towards Australia
Within the 2023 World Cup ultimate, Kohli exhibited his batting prowess, contributing to an important third-wicket partnership alongside KL Rahul, amassing 67 runs. Regardless of his dismissal at 54 off 63 balls, Kohli’s innings marked his ninth fifty-plus rating within the match, elevating his total World Cup 2023 tally to a formidable 765 runs.
Australia’s dominance: Bowling brilliance restricts India to 240 runs
The summit conflict noticed Australia successful the toss and opting to bowl on a difficult pitch. India confronted early setbacks, dropping Shubman Gill for 4 runs, however Rohit Sharma‘s resilient knock of 47, adorned with four fours and three sixes, provided impetus. However, Australia staged a comeback with consecutive wickets, including those of Rohit and Shreyas Iyer.
Kohli and Rahul steadied the innings, aiming for a late surge in the death overs. Despite their efforts, Australia’s disciplined bowling and distinctive fielding restricted India to 240 runs in 50 overs. Mitchell Starc emerged because the chief tormentor with three wickets, whereas Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins claimed two every. The ultimate unfolded as a gripping contest, promising an enthralling second innings.