(Image Source: Instagram)
[Saba Sports News] The ODI World Cup semi-final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium was a stage for an exceptional performance by New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell. On November 15, during the high-stakes clash against India, Mitchell showcased his resilience and skill, scoring a remarkable 134 off 119 balls. Despite battling cramps in challenging conditions, his innings kept New Zealand’s chase of a formidable target of 398 alive. Although the Kiwis ultimately fell short by 70 runs, Mitchell’s gritty performance earned widespread admiration.
(Image Source: Instagram)
An act of sportsmanship also marked the match, as India’s Ishan Kishan, serving as the 12th man, came onto the field to assist Mitchell during his cramp distress. Mitchell later took to his official Instagram to express gratitude for Kishan’s considerate gesture, highlighting the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship in cricket.
Mitchell ended the World Cup campaign as a significant contributor for New Zealand, being the second-highest run-scorer for his team. He amassed 552 runs in nine innings, with an impressive average of 69 and a strike rate of 111.07, including two fifties and two centuries.
New Zealand’s journey in the tournament, however, fell short of making it to their third consecutive ODI World Cup final. The team had previously reached the finals in 2015 and 2019, losing both times. In 2023, they had the opportunity to join the ranks of West Indies and Australia in reaching three consecutive finals but were unable to overcome India in the semi-final.
The Kiwis concluded their campaign with a balanced record of five wins and five losses across ten games.