The upcoming semi-final clash between India and New Zealand in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 is set to unfold at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, November 15. Anticipated to be a thrilling encounter, this encounter serves as a rematch of the 2019 edition's semi-final.
Adding to the excitement, prominent figures from the sports industry, including English football legend David Beckham, are expected to grace the event in their roles as goodwill ambassadors for UNICEF.
Ahead of the game, Beckham took a moment to connect with members of Team India during their preparations ahead of the marquee match. Notably, he engaged in conversations with cricket legends such as Sachin Tendulkar as well as other team members like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav.
Photos capturing a viral moment on social media show Beckham interacting with cricket icon Virat Kohli. The duo even participated in a friendly game of football, with Beckham, a treble-winner with Manchester United, assisting Kohli in his warm-up routine ahead of the crucial clash against New Zealand.
He shared a story on Instagram to share the special moment, with other videos as well, including one with Sachin Tendulkar and the Team India players, who heard what the former England skipper had to say with bated breath.
Meanwhile, India skipper Rohit Sharma gave India the perfect start, scoring an impressive 47 runs from 29 balls, including four sixes and an equal number of boundaries. His innings came to an end in the ninth over, falling victim to Tim Southee, with India's score at 71/1.
Notably, in the process, Rohit Sharma surpassed Chris Gayle's all-time record for the most sixes in ICC ODI World Cups. While Gayle held the record with 49 sixes, Rohit went two steps further, now boasting a total of 51 sixes.
However, Shubman Gill's time at the wicket was brought to a sudden halt in the 23rd over due to cramps. Rohit, observing Gill's struggle on the field, conveyed a message instructing Gill to head back to the dressing room for medical attention, opting against the opener continuing to limp while running between the wickets.
The batter might return back to the pitch later in the game if a wicket falls.
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