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When Shreyas Iyer Activated Clutch Mode To Hit A Blistering Hundred In World Cup Semifinal

Akshita Patel

Iyer hit a hundred against New Zealand in WC semis [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]Iyer hit a hundred against New Zealand in WC semis [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

A memorable inning played under extreme pressure saw Shreyas Iyer score a record century off just 67 deliveries against New Zealand in the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup semi-finals. Iyer, playing at his home turf in Wankhede, went all out attacking and added 163 runs for the third wicket with Virat Kohli, helping India to reach a mammoth first-innings total of 397/ 4.

Coming off a 100% win record in the league stages, India met New Zealand for the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-finals on November 15 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Rohit Sharma opted to bat first on a flat deck, and after a quick 47 off 29 balls, Southee sent him packing. Gill left the field after getting retired hurt, which paved the way for Shreyas Iyer.

Shreyas Iyer unleashed his masterclass in World Cup semis

Iyer was coming off a century against the Netherlands and was all pumped up to perform in front of his home crowd. He partnered with Virat Kohli to create a run fest. While Kohli got his record-breaking 50th ODI century, Iyer also slammed a hundred off just 67 balls, which was the third fastest World Cup century by an India. 

Iyer’s inning was well-defined, with eight sixes and four boundaries. He took the pressure off Virat Kohli, and the acceleration helped India post a gigantic first-inning total of 397/4. Before getting dismissed by Trent Boult, Shreyas Iyer scored 105 off 70 balls and also surpassed the 500-run mark in the tournament, thus becoming the first middle-order batter in ODI World Cup history (No. 4 or below) to achieve the feat. 

Shami’s heroics helped India sail to the finals

Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli’s carnage with the bat helped India win half the battle. Meanwhile, the Wankhede pitch didn’t change much in the second innings as New Zealand made the most of the hitting-friendly conditions. Daryl Mitchell (134 off 119) and Kane Williamson (69 off 73) added 181 runs for the 3rd wicket.

But Mohammad Shami was relentless with his spell. He ripped off the top order to claim a five-wicket haul. With Santner and Southee’s wicket in the death, Shami finished with 7/57 to bag the player of the match award and also guide India to the finals of the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup.