Kohli's record-breaking performance helped India set a daunting total of 397/4, securing a 70-run win and propelling the team to their first ODI World Cup final since 2011. VIRAT TOPS SACHIN Virat Kohli went past Sachin Tendulkar with a record-breaking 50th One-Day International (ODI) century during India's World Cup semi-final at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Kohli became the first male cricketer to achieve this milestone, helping India to a commanding first-innings score of 397/4. His innings played a pivotal role in India's journey to the World Cup final, marking their first appearance at the tournament's climax since 2014. Kohli's historic knock followed a memorable innings earlier in the tournament, where he equalled Sachin Tendulkar's 49 ODI centuries during a 243-run win over South Africa on his birthday in Kolkata. His latest century reached in his 279th ODI match from just 106 balls, featured eight fours and a six, culminating with a flick for two in the 42nd over. Celebrating his achievement, Kohli turned to the stands, acknowledging the presence of Tendulkar and the throngs of fans cheering him on at Wankhede Stadium. Reflecting on his achievement, Kohli described the moment as a "dream" come true, expressing gratitude for reaching this milestone in front of his family and childhood hero, Tendulkar. "It's too good to be true, it's surreal," Kohli said after the match. "If I could paint the perfect picture, I would want this to be the picture: my partner, the person I love the most, is sitting there, my hero is sitting there." For fans across India, Kohli's feat and emotional celebration were unforgettable, cementing his legacy as one of cricket's greatest icon India's batting display was buoyed by Shreyas Iyer, who accelerated the innings with a powerful 105 off 70 balls, including eight sixes. Contributions from Shubman Gill (80* off 66), Rohit Sharma (47 off 29), and KL Rahul (39* off 20) added momentum to India's innings. Rohit's brisk start put New Zealand under pressure from the outset, while Gill's calm partnership with Kohli set the foundation for the imposing total. SHAMI 7 WICKET DERAILS NEW ZEALAND New Zealand began their World Cup semi-final chase with a strong start, as openers Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra played with intent and aggression. However, India's fast-bowling ace, Mohammed Shami, quickly seized control, breaking key partnerships and creating pressure. Despite a determined 181-run stand between Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell, Shami's precision and pace ultimately dismantled New Zealand's lineup. Mitchell's gritty 134 and Williamson's 69 provided a fighting chance, keeping New Zealand competitive until the 40th over, when India's bowlers tightened their grip. New Zealand's bowlers struggled to contain India's aggressive batting. Tim Southee took three wickets but proved costly, ending with figures of 3/100, while Mitchell Santner bowled economically with 1/51. Chasing 398, New Zealand began with promise as openers Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra attacked early. However, Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, changed the game's course. He removed both Conway and Ravindra for 13, putting India in control. Shami's extraordinary figures of 7/57 made him the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 24 scalps at an average of just over nine. Daryl Mitchell led New Zealand's response, scoring an impressive 134 off 119 balls, his second century against India this tournament. Alongside Kane Williamson (69), Mitchell formed an 181-run partnership for the third wicket, bringing the required rate within reach. But Shami's return saw him dismiss Williamson, sparking a New Zealand collapse. Ravindra Jadeja's sharp fielding ended any hopes of a Kiwi comeback, as he claimed three key catches, including that of Mitchell off Shami. New Zealand ultimately fell short, dismissed for 327, with India's disciplined bowling and relentless fielding sealing a spot in the final. Shami's seven-wicket haul underscored his importance, while his final wicket of the day wrapped up the win in emphatic style.