Host nation India had another incredible day, deposing challengers New Zealand by 70 runs in the semi-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup on Wednesday (November 15).

In a packed Wankhede Stadium, the Indians won the toss and decided to bat first, which again proved to be a brilliant decison.

Opener and captain Rohit Sharma was the only early casualty of the innings, after he was dismissed for 47 runs in the ninth over.

The Kiwis would have no success in making any inroads into the Indian batting lineup until it was much to late.

Legendary batsman Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer were both in impeccable form at the crease and the Black Caps struggled to make a dent in their innings.

Iyer followed up the century he made in the last game with another impressive knock of 105 runs, which required just 70 balls.

Talisman Kohli was his usual imperious self, and scored a massive team high 117 from 113 balls.

By the time Kohli, in over 44 and Iyer, in over 49, were sent back to the pavilion, India had already racked up a monumental total of 381 runs.

The hosts ended their innings at 397/4.

The New Zealand batting lineup would now have 50 runs to make a colossal total, at the required run rate of just below eight runs.

The imposing Indian bowling attack was again in action early and both Kiwi openers were dismissed with just 39 runs scored.

Skipper Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell created decent stability at the crease and stopped the bleeding momentarily.

The Indians would ramp up their pressure and the Black Caps would lose three wickets in ten overs, and they were able to disrupt any partnership at the crease.

Daryl Mitchell would eventually be out in over 45 after a game high innings of 134 runs off 119 balls.

Williamson, with 69 runs of 73 balls and Glenn Phillips with 42 off 33 balls, were the next best contributors to the run chase.

The rest of the line-up failed to impress, with none of them scoring more than 13 runs.

The New Zealanders were all out for 327 and India won by 70 runs.

Man of the Match had several contenders, based on India’s overall dominance but the seven-wicket haul by Mohammed Shami took the day. The batsmen only scored 57 against Shami and the fast bowler was able to have his way with the batting lineup.

India now await the winner of the next semi-final between Australia and South Africa.