WATCH: Virat Kohli plays football with David Beckham at Wankhede Stadium in ODI World Cup 2023

The Cricket World Cup 2023 knockout stages commenced on Wednesday with India facing New Zealand in the first semi-final at Wankhede Stadium. Before the match, Indian cricket star Virat Kohli met with former footballer David Beckham, who had also showcased the Cricket World Cup trophy alongside batting legend Sachin Tendulkar. Beckham shared a video on Instagram, where the legendary footballer captured moments of their interaction as they engaged in a friendly exchange of passes.

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It's worth mentioning that Beckham is currently in the country serving as a UNICEF ambassador, a role also fulfilled by Tendulkar. Before the match commenced, Kohli and Beckham engaged in a brief chat. Notably, Virat Kohli of India is just one century away from establishing a new outright record in one-day international cricket with 50 hundreds, having equaled the retired former teammate Tendulkar's mark of 49 against South Africa.

India is vying for its third one-day international World Cup title, adding to their triumphs in 1983 in England and the 2011 victory over Sri Lanka in a Wankhede final.

Let us look at the video;

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Virat Kohli playing football with David Beckham at Wankhede. [Beckham Instagram story] pic.twitter.com/gid0TcKP5V

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 15, 2023

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India through to the final of ODI World Cup 2023

In a commanding display at Wankhede Stadium, India secured a resounding 70-run victory over New Zealand in the 1st Semi-final of the Cricket World Cup 2023. Powered by a stellar bowling performance from Mohammed Shami, who took seven wickets, and a strong showing from Kuldeep Yadav, India successfully defended their mammoth total of 397 runs. Before the bowlers dominated, captain Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul played crucial roles in setting the imposing target.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a solid start with a powerplay partnership of 71 runs. Kohli then showcased his class, scoring his 50th ODI century with a contribution of 117 runs. Gill retired hurt but returned to score an unbeaten 80, and Shreyas Iyer played a power-packed innings, hitting 105 runs. In response, New Zealand struggled in their chase, losing wickets at regular intervals. Daryl Mitchell's brilliant century (134 runs) wasn't enough as Shami's exceptional bowling secured India's place in the final. With this victory, India reached the Cricket World Cup final for the fourth time and broke the semi-final curse after 12 years. Mohammed Shami was awarded the Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance.