Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer hit hundreds as India smash highest ever total in Cricket World Cup knockouts

All the talk before the India vs New Zealand semifinal was dominated by stories about the pitch and how India were wrongfully using it to their advantage. However, the Men in Blue silenced all critics with a sensational batting performance, showcasing how the pitch was never bad.

Shreyas Iyer was the star of the show, smashing a 70-ball 105 but all the limelight rightfully was reserved for Virat Kohli, who became the first cricketer in history to score 50 ODI centuries. The duo were simply phenomenal as they annihilated the Black Caps at the iconic Wankhede.

It was Rohit Sharma, who led from the front, going ballistic right at the start to mount pressure on the Kiwis. His 29-ball 47 provided the perfect platform for Kohli and Co.

Shubman Gill also was looking in sublime touch but that was before he had to retire hurt due to cramps on 79, with Mumbai heat and humidity taking its toll on the opener.

Kohli and Iyer then put together a 163-run partnership off just 128 balls to leave the Kiwis gasping for air. The duo slammed brilliant hundreds, breaking a plethora of records on the way to the humongous total. While Kohli departed after overtaking his idol Sachin Tendulkar in terms of ODI centuries, Iyer smashed some of the biggest sixes to record a fast-and-furious hundred on his home ground.

KL Rahul then provided the finishing touches with a 20-ball 39 as India posted 397 - the highest-ever total in a World Cup knockout match.