Kohli and Rohit’s World Cup Semi-final Record-Shattering Performances

In a riveting World Cup semi-final clash against New Zealand, India witnessed not just a victory, but an unprecedented display of cricketing prowess. The heroics of Mohammed Shami with the ball and the batting brilliance of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shreyas Iyer left an indelible mark on the cricketing record books.

Mohammed Shami’s bowling figures of 7 for 57 against New Zealand not only secured India’s path to the final but etched his name in history. Shami became the first Indian bowler to claim a seven-wicket haul in ODIs, surpassing Stuart Binny’s 6 for 4 against Bangladesh in 2014. What’s more, Shami’s feat in this knockout game makes him the sole bowler alongside Aaqib Javed to achieve a seven-for in a men’s ODI knockout match.

Virat Kohli, the modern-day maestro, showcased his sublime form in the semi-final, reaching a milestone that puts him ahead of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Kohli’s 711 runs in this World Cup not only guided India but also set a new record for the most runs by any batter in a single edition of the men’s ODI World Cup, surpassing Tendulkar’s 673 runs in 2003.

With eight 50-plus scores in the tournament, Kohli also established a new record for the most such scores by any batter in a single edition of the ODI World Cup. His consistency and ability to convert starts into substantial scores played a pivotal role in India’s campaign.

Rohit Sharma, known for his ability to clear the boundaries effortlessly, set a new record for the most sixes in ODI World Cups. His 51 sixes surpassed Chris Gayle’s previous record of 49. In the semi-final alone, Rohit unleashed 28 sixes, a feat unmatched in a single edition of the ODI World Cup, breaking Gayle’s record of 26 in 2015.

Furthermore, Rohit’s prolific partnership with Shubman Gill reached new heights. With 14 fifty-plus stands in 21 ODI innings in 2023, the duo set a record for the most 50-plus partnerships in a calendar year in men’s ODIs.

Shreyas Iyer’s breathtaking century in just 67 balls became the fastest in an ODI World Cup knockout game, breaking the previous record held by Adam Gilchrist. His innings played a pivotal role in India amassing a colossal total of 397 for 4, the highest by any team in an ODI World Cup knockout game. This record-breaking total surpassed New Zealand’s previous record of 393 for 6 against West Indies in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final.

In addition to the batting exploits, India’s aggressive intent was evident as they hit 19 sixes, equalling their own record set against Australia in 2013 and New Zealand earlier in the year.

The semi-final clash between India and New Zealand was not just a game; it was a spectacle of record-breaking performances. From Shami’s historic bowling figures to Kohli and Rohit’s batting milestones, each player contributed to a cricketing extravaganza that will be etched in the annals of the sport’s history.