[Watch] Gateway of India lights up in Mumbai to celebrate 2023 World Cup and Diwali, shows top 4 teams as Pakistan virtually out of semifinal race
A light show took place at the Gateway of India in Mumbai on Friday, November 10, to mark the celebration of the Indian festival Diwali and the 2023 World Cup.
Diwali is a festival of light and symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness or evil. The celebrations last for five to six days, beginning on Dhanteras. This year, the auspicious festival is coinciding with the 2023 World Cup in India as the Men in Blue chase their first ICC trophy in 10 years.
In a video on X by the International Cricket Council, the light show displayed the possible semi-finalists – India, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand as Pakistan are virtually out of the final four race.
For the unversed, the first semifinal could be a repeat of the 2019 World Cup knockout as India are set to lock horns with the BlackCaps at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 15. The two teams recently faced off in the league stage, where India beat the Kiwis by four wickets.
Meanwhile, South Africa will face five-time champions Australia at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 16. The Proteas recently beat the Aussies by 134 runs in the league stage.
India to face Netherlands in their last 2023 World Cup league game on Diwali
India will face the Netherlands in their last 2023 World Cup league game at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Diwali (Sunday, November 12).
The Men in Blue are coming on the back of an eight-match unbeaten streak. In their last match, they defeated South Africa by 243 runs, courtesy of Virat Kohli’s record 49th ODI century and Ravindra Jadeja’s fifer.
India captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's batting are among the biggest positives for the hosts. Kohli has amassed 543 runs in eight games at an average of 108.60, including two tons and four half-centuries. Rohit, meanwhile, has scored 442 runs in eight matches at an average of 55.25, including two tons and as many half-centuries.
The Indian bowling unit has also delivered in the marquee ICC tournament. Mohammad Shami is the top wicket-getter, picking up 16 scalps in four matches at an economy rate of 4.30. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja have bagged 15 and 14 wickets from eight games, respectively.