"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
18 Nov 2023
India advanced to the World Cup 2023 final after defeating New Zealand by 70 runs at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. The semi-final victory over Kane Williamson's side was India's 10th in a row in the ongoing competition, and it also helped India set a new record for the longest winning streak in ODI cricket.
India faced New Zealand in the semi-finals in Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. It was a high-stakes game, with India hoping to end their knockout streak against the Kiwis. The Men in Blue rose to the occasion, performing admirably with both bat and ball. India achieved a daunting total of 397/4, due to a strong top-order effort and explosive finish from the lower middle order. The bowlers, inspired by Mohammed Shami's scorching spell, which resulted in a career-high 7 wickets, enabled India to secure a 70-run victory. Virat Kohli's batting prowess was critical to India's victory during the World Cup. Kohli was the tournament's leading run-scorer, with 711 runs in 10 matches, including five fifties and three hundreds. His top ODI score of 117 runs was a batting masterclass, and his steady performances created the foundation for India's fearsome totals.
India has now reached the ODI World Cup final four times, having previously won the trophy in 1983 and 2011. India finished second in 2003 and will find out who their championship contender is on Thursday when Australia plays South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. India enters the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad with the momentum of an unbeaten season and the support of a billion hopes. Their achievements in the World Cup 2023 have not only entertained but also inspired, demonstrating the true spirit of cricket. The nation waits with bated breath as India prepares to add another wonderful chapter to their illustrious cricketing history.
''The first time I met you in the Indian dressing room, you were pranked by other teammates into touching my feet. I couldn’t stop laughing that day. But soon, you touched my heart with your passion and skill. I am so happy that that young boy has grown into a ‘Virat’ player. I couldn’t be happier that an Indian broke my record. And to do it on the biggest stage - in the World Cup Semi-final - and at my home ground is the icing on the cake.'' - Sachin Tendulkar on the epic entrance of India Into world cup Finals