India emerged victorious against New Zealand in the World Cup 2023 semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, securing a commanding 70-run win after setting a formidable total of 397/4 in the first innings.
While the spotlight was on Virat Kohli's record-breaking 50th ODI century and Mohammed Shami's exceptional 7/57, former Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram was all praise for Rohit Sharma for his explosive start during India's innings.
Sharma's aggressive knock of 47 off just 29 balls laid a dynamic foundation, with four boundaries and four sixes propelling India to an impressive 84 runs in the first powerplay. However, Sharma's innings was curtailed in the 9th over when a miscued shot off Tim Southee resulted in a catch by Kane Williamson.
Speaking on A Sports, Wasim Akram lauded India as deserving finalists, highlighting their comprehensive performance across batting, bowling, fielding, and exemplary leadership.
"Deserving candidates to qualify for the final. It was a complete performance in every aspect of the game, batting, bowling, fielding and captain leading from the front," Wasim Akram said after India's win against New Zealand.
Reflecting on Rohit Sharma's contribution, Akram emphasised the impact of Sharma's aggressive style, noting that although he may not consistently achieve centuries or double centuries, his explosive starts lay the groundwork for India's success.
"We do not hear a lot about Rohit because he does not reach centuries, or hit double centuries, but the starts that he gives. He scored 47 off 29 balls, India hit 84 in the first 10 overs, that was the platform that India really needed," Wasim Akram said about the India captain.
"Look at the shots that he played. He puts the opposition under pressure with his batting and from there India get to 397. The quality of Indian batting made the New Zealand bowling attack look pedestrian," Akram further added.
Having secured 10 consecutive victories on their path to the final, India now awaits the outcome of the clash between South Africa and Australia. A potential win in the final would make India only the third team in World Cup history to achieve an undefeated ODI campaign, joining the ranks of West Indies and Australia.
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