In a display of exceptional batting prowess, New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell produced a stunning century in the first semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 against India at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Mitchell’s remarkable innings showcased his versatility and ability to adapt to different conditions, solidifying his position as one of the most dependable all-format batters in the world.
Mitchell’s century was a continuation of his impressive form throughout the tournament. He had earlier smashed a century against India in the group stage match at Dharamsala, though India emerged victorious on that occasion. Undeterred, Mitchell stepped up once again in the semi-final, determined to make a significant impact on the match.
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Throughout his innings, Mitchell displayed a keen eye for boundaries, including an impressive six off a delivery from Ravindra Jadeja in the 27th over. The six, which sailed over the long-on boundary for a distance of 107 meters, not only highlighted Mitchell’s power but also broke Shreyas Iyer’s record for the biggest six in the ongoing World Cup.
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Mitchell’s century came off just 85 deliveries, cementing his place in cricketing history. He became the second batsman after Sourav Ganguly to achieve the feat of scoring two centuries against the same team in a single World Cup edition. Ganguly had accomplished this remarkable feat against Kenya in the 2003 World Cup.
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Mitchell’s contributions extended beyond his century, as he also established a new record for most sixes by a New Zealand batter in a single edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup. His tally of 18 sixes surpassed the previous record held by Brendon McCullum and Rachin Ravindra, both of whom had scored 17 sixes in previous tournaments.
Despite battling cramps, Mitchell continued to fight valiantly for New Zealand, pushing the team’s score to 257/4 after 39 overs. His determination and resilience were evident throughout his innings, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the team’s success.
