New Delhi. Team India is all set to face New Zealand in the semi-finals of the 2023 Cricket World Cup. The deciding match is scheduled to take place on November 15 at 2:00 pm at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. This is the eighth time that Team India has reached the World Cup semi-finals, a remarkable achievement showcasing their cricketing prowess. However, recent semi-final appearances have seen a decline in success, with India winning only three of the last seven fixtures, resulting in a win percentage of 43%.
1983 semi-final victory
India’s first World Cup final was in 1983, when it faced hosts England in the semi-finals. Indian bowlers restricted England to just 213 runs and Lala Amarnath’s brilliant performance earned him the title of “Player of the Match”. His all-round contribution including 27 runs and crucial wickets paved the way for India’s historic victory.
1987 semi-final battle
India achieved its second World Cup semi-final berth in 1987, once again facing England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Despite England scoring a challenging 254, India fell short by a total of 219 runs, resulting in a semi-final defeat.
Big shock in 1996 semi-finals
The 1996 semi-final, played on Indian soil, ended in disappointment as Sri Lanka set a target of 252 and India were bowled out for 120. The match took a controversial turn, leading to it being abandoned and Sri Lanka going ahead.
2003 semi-finals
In the 2003 World Cup held in South Africa, India faced Kenya in the semi-finals, scoring 270 runs and later bowled out Kenya for 179 runs to achieve a spectacular victory.
2011 semi-final thriller
In 2011, an iconic semi-final clash took place between India and Pakistan in Mohali. Led by Sachin Tendulkar’s 85 runs, India set a target of 260 runs. In reply, Pakistan could score only 231 runs, leading to India’s victory and their entry into the final.
2015 semi-finals
The 2015 semi-finals in Sydney saw India’s defeat against Australia. Chasing a mammoth score of 329, India fell behind for 233 runs, marking a disappointing end to the campaign.
2019 Semifinal Heartbreak
In the 2019 World Cup, New Zealand gave a huge shock to India in the semi-finals. New Zealand set a modest target of 240 runs, and despite fighting hard, India lost by 221 runs, ending their tournament journey.