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In a momentous achievement, batting maestro Virat Kohli etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming the first Indian player to score a fifty in both the semifinal and final of the same ODI World Cup 2023. This remarkable feat unfolded during the summit clash against Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, November 19.
Elite club entry: Virat Kohli’s feat in the pantheon of cricket history
Kohli’s accomplishment placed him in an elite group of batters, marking the eighth instance of such a distinctive performance in the 48-year history of the ODI World Cup. Interestingly, Steve Smith, who was also playing the CWC 2023 final for Australia, was the last batter to achieve this milestone, accomplishing the twin landmark fifties during the 2015 semifinal and final.
Batters who scored 50-plus runs in the semifinal and final 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
Also READ: South Africa legend AB de Villiers picks his personal favourite ODI century from Virat Kohli – CWC 2023
Kohli’s impactful innings in the summit clash against Australia
In the 2023 World Cup final, Kohli exhibited his batting prowess, contributing to a crucial third-wicket partnership alongside KL Rahul, amassing 67 runs. Despite his dismissal at 54 off 63 balls, Kohli’s innings marked his ninth fifty-plus score in the tournament, elevating his overall World Cup 2023 tally to an impressive 765 runs.
Australia’s dominance: Bowling brilliance restricts India to 240 runs
The summit clash saw Australia winning the toss and opting to bowl on a challenging pitch. India faced early setbacks, losing Shubman Gill for 4 runs, but 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 exceptional fielding restricted India to 240 runs in 50 overs. Mitchell Starc emerged as the chief tormentor with three wickets, while Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins claimed two each. The final unfolded as a gripping contest, promising an enthralling second innings.
