Record-setting batsman Kohli still 'getting better'

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson hailed record-breaking Virat Kohli as "the best" batsman in the world and warned India's rivals that the superstar is "getting better."

India, who Williamson described as a "blue machine," defeated New Zealand by 70 runs in Mumbai on Wednesday to reach the Cricket World Cup final.

India piled up 397 for four with Kohli hitting a record 50th one-day international hundred before being dismissed for 117 and Shreyas Iyer making 105.

Mohammed Shami then took a sensational seven for 57, as New Zealand were bowled out for 327.

A world-class batsman in his own right, Williamson paid tribute to Kohli, who surpassed the record of 49 ODI hundreds he had shared with Sachin Tendulkar.

"That's something quite special. If you play 50 games, some people would call that a great career," said Williamson. "But to get 50 hundreds ... and not just that, actually the way he goes about it, it's actually about winning games for his team."

The 33-year-old added: "He's the best, isn't he? And he seems to be getting better."

Shami ended a threatening third-wicket stand of 181 between Daryl Mitchell (134) and Williamson (69) when the Black Caps skipper was caught at deep square leg.

"That blue machine keeps rolling and they were too good for us. They thoroughly deserve their win," said Williamson.

Shami's return took him to the top of the tournament bowling charts with 23 wickets even though the paceman missed the first four games before an injury to all-rounder Hardik Pandya led to a recall.

India, unbeaten in 10 games at the tournament, will now face either Australia or South Africa in Sunday's final in Ahmedabad.

"They're the best team in the world and they're all playing their best cricket," said Williamson.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE