IND vs NZ, ICC World Cup 2019, Semi-Final 1: Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor Half Tons Power Kiwis to 239-run Total

The Kiwis could get to the 239-run total on the back of half centuries by skipper Kane Williamson and their experienced middle order batsman Ross Taylor.

New Zealand set a challenging 240-run target for India in the first semi-final of the ICC World Cup at Old Trafford in Manchester. After New Zealand's innings was interrupted rain yesterday and play called off, the Black Caps resumed their innings at 211/5 and bated out their remaining 3.5 overs The Kiwis could get to the 239-run total on the back of half centuries by skipper Kane Williamson and their experienced middle order batsman Ross Taylor. New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to bat first in what otherwise seemed to be overcast conditions on offer at Manchester on Wednesday. The Indian pacers were relentless with their line and length in seaming conditions on offer and gave away almost nothing to the Kiwi openers in the power-plays. Bumrah eventually dealt the opening blow by sending opener Martin Guptill back to the pavilion. Henry Nicolls and Kane Williamson then stitched a gritty partnership to get the New Zealand innings back to track but the Indian spinners continued to apply pressure and chocked the run flow in the middle overs. Ravindra Jadeja then got into the act to dismiss Henry Nicolls with a peach of a delivery. Kane Williamson kept one end tight and kept ticking the scoreboard with the ever dependable Ross Taylor. Both Williamson and Taylor compiled resilient half tons to pile up the runs for the Kiwis. Chahal dented a massive blow to  New Zealand by outfoxing Williamson with a regulation leg spinner to have the Kiwis three down. Pandya then dismissed the dangerous power hitter James Neesham.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar then came back into the attack and struck immediately to send Colin de Grandhomme back to the pavilion. Bhuvneshwar Kumar then polished off the Kiwis tail by dismissing wicket-keeper batsman Tom Latham (wk) and Matt Henry. Bhuvneshwar Kumar ended up with impressive figures of 3 for 43. Meanwhile, Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja and Yuzvendra Chahal chippe in with one wicket each.