ICC World Cup 2023: With eyes on prize, Rohit and Co happy to complete first goal

Mohammed Shami celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Sri Lanka's Dushan Hemantha at the Wankhede in Mumbai on Thursday

IMAGE: Mohammed Shami celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Sri Lanka's Dushan Hemantha at the Wankhede in Mumbai on Thursday. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

India became the first team to enter the World Cup semi-finals after winning seven matches on the trot, and captain Rohit Sharma was delighted to see his side achieving the goal of reaching the last four stage with clinical perfection.

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India booked a semi-final berth in cracking style, dismantling Sri Lanka by 302 runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.

“I am very happy that we have officially qualified now (for the semis). When we started off in Chennai, this was our goal -- to qualify first for the semis and obviously in the final," said Rohit during the post-match presentation.

“The way we approached these seven games, it was quite clinical. Everyone put in the effort and a lot of individuals have put their hands up.”

Shreyas Iyer brought up a 50 off just 36 deliveries

IMAGE: Shreyas Iyer brought up a 50 off just 36 deliveries. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

While complimenting his batters for helping India put a massive score on the board, Rohit paid handsome encomiums to middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer, who produced a forceful 82 off 56 balls.

“That's the kind of template you need to have when you want to score that many runs, and 350 on any pitch is a very good score, and a lot of credit to the batting unit for taking us to that score.

“Shreyas is a very strong (in his mind) lad and he went there and did what he is exactly known for and that is what we expect from him. Shreyas showed that he is ready to take the challenge that is in front of him,” said Rohit.

India bowlers have supported their batters' effort with some wonderful shows of their own in this tournament.

Rohit was chuffed to see his bowlers dominating in all conditions.

“Siraj is a quality bowler and if he does that with the new ball, things look different for us. He has got a lot of skills when he is operating with the new ball.

“To put in a performance back-to-back against England and today (against SL), shows the quality of the seamers and if there is something in the conditions, they are quite lethal. I hope they continue the same way,” he added.

India's next match is against South Africa and Rohit said his team is ready for the in-form Proteas.

“They (South Africa) are playing some good cricket, and so are we. It's going to be a great spectacle for the people out there and people of Kolkata are going to enjoy that game,” he signed off.