New Zealand defeated India by 18 runs in the first semifinal of the ICC World Cup played at the Old Trafford cricket ground at Manchester to secure a berth in the grand finale of the marquee event. Reeling at 5 for 3 courtesy a brilliant opening spell by Matt Henry and Trent Boult, India staged a brief recovery with Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya but both of them played rash shots against off spinner Mitchell Santner to throw away their wickets. Jadeja's sensational 77-run knock raised hopes of a turnaround as he and MS Dhoni staged a good recovery, notching a century partnership.
Dhoni, who scored 50 off 72 balls, was there, he knew the match could have gone either way in those final overs. However, Kiwi skipper Martin Guptill then produced a brilliant run-out to send Dhoni back to the pavilion. A video of Dhoni’s dejected look, on his way back to the pavilion went viral. Fans on Twitter called it “heartbreaking” to see India former captain in tears.
Defending a 239-run total, the Kiwis bowled out India for 221 with Matt Henry picking up 3 wickets and other Kiwi bowlers collectively bowling well as a unit.
