India beat New Zealand by 70 runs to reach World Cup final

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma starred with the bat as India defeated New Zealand by 70 runs in the first semi-final of the Cricket World Cup.

India defeated New Zealand by 70 runs in the first semi-final of the World Cup on Wednesday to book a berth in the final to be played at Ahmedabad on Sunday. India captain Rohit Sharma admitted that the team felt a few strands of pressure going into the World Cup semi-final.

Rohit lauds his batters

Rohit lauded his batters for helping the team post an imposing 397 for 4, that the Mumbaikar felt forced the Kiwis to take some risks during the chase."I have played a lot of cricket here Wankhede Stadium, and you can’t relax with any score on this ground. Yeah, they wouldn’t have taken those risks had India not posted 397. Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell batted brilliantly. It was important for us to stay calm. We knew that we needed a catch or run out and Shami was brilliant."

Williamson gives credit to India

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson was understandably crestfallen but gave credit to India for playing outstanding cricket throughout this showpiece. "Congrats to India, they played outstandingly well, probably their best game today. Chasing 400 was naturally going to be a tough but proud effort to stay in the fight. Disappointing to go out but super proud of the effort that’s gone in for the last seven weeks. But India are top class, have world-class batters who didn’t give us a sniff really. They deserve to be where they are, played outstandingly well."

Williamson praises Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell

Williamson was all praise for Rachin Ravindra, New Zealand’s highest run-getter in the tournament, and Daryl Mitchell, who made two centuries against India, including on this day, in the event. "Rachin and Mitchell were special throughout the campaign, on varied surfaces. They played really, really well. Bowlers chipped in, a lot of fight. Even if it didn’t go our way, ultimately moving forward as a team, we’ve taken some really good steps in the right direction."