Watch: Virat Kohli Shares Warm Hug With Coach; Ravi Ashwin Kisses Mohammed Shami's Hands As India Celebrate Semifinal Win

Team India, on Wednesday (November 15), thrashed New Zealand by 7o runs in the first semifinal of the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 to storm into the final.

Virat Kohli scored a historic 50th ODI ton while Shreyas Iyer also scored a stunning century as India piled up a mammoth total of 397 for 4 in the allotted 50 overs after skipper Rohit Sharma opted to bat first. While Kohli scored 117 from 113 balls and broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most ODI tons, Iyer smashed 105 off just 70 balls with the help of eight sixes.

In reply, New Zealand threatened to spoil India’s party. After losing both the openers, the Black Caps recovered thanks to a century-plus stand between captain Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell. But once Mohammed Shami dismissed Williamson for 69, India clawed their way back into the game and bowled out New Zealand for 327 despite a century from Mitchell. Shami was the star with the ball, taking 7 for 57.

Jubilant scenes in the India dressing room:

The Indian players celebrated the win over New Zealand in style. A video of the dressing room celebration was posted on the Indian team’s official Instagram page. In the video, batting coach Vikram Rathour was seen sharing a warm embrace with Kohli after his historic knock.

After that, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was seen praising Shami in a unique manner. The off-spinner was seen kissing Shami’s hand, a symbolic gesture of appreciation for his brilliant performance. The historic 7-wicket haul saw Shami become the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing World Cup despite not playing the first four games.

Shami also shared a lighthearted moment with bowling coach Paras Mhambrey and was heard telling him: “Jawab deke aya hoon main.” Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who is not a part of the World Cup squad, also visited the dressing room to celebrate the win.

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Team India will be looking to extend their winning run and clinch the World Cup title. They have won all of their ten games so far and will be fancying their chances in the final. The hosts will take on the winner of the second semifinal between Australia and South Africa in the title decider.