Guptill’s sensational innings formed the backbone as the Kiwis posted a colossal 393-6 from 50 overs in their quarter-final in Wellington earlier today. West Indies could muster only 250 all out in response as New Zealand set up a semi-final clash against South Africa on Tuesday – and kept alive the mouthwatering prospect of an all-Antipodean final against Australia in Melbourne next Sunday.
Opening batsman Guptill, 28, faced the first and last balls of the New Zealand innings, and blasted 24 fours and 11 sixes from 163 deliveries. As he let rip in the closing stages he scored 137 from his final 52 balls.
Guptill’s double century was the highest individual score in Cricket World Cup history, eclipsing the 215 set by West Indies’ Chris Gayle earlier in the tournament. Ironically, Gayle was West Indies’ highest scorer today – albeit with a more modest 61.
The only man to have compiled a bigger score in the history of one-day international cricket is Rohit Sharma, of India, who fired 264 against Sri Lanka last year.
The result propels New Zealand into the World Cup semi-finals for a seventh time. They have yet to emerge victorious from one, but will be full of confidence when they face South Africa at Eden Park, Auckland, on Tuesday. The pairing guarantees a first-time finalist to face either Australia or holders India, who meet in the second semi-final at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday.
Four-time holders Australia were comfortable winners in their quarter-final at Adelaide on Friday, making 216/4 from 33.5 overs in reply to Pakistan’s 213 all out from 49.5 overs.
