Resuming on 211/5 on Wednesday, New Zealand finished on 239/8 in their 50 overs after rain interrupted play at 46.1 overs into their innings on Tuesday. However, the Kiwi bowlers made full use of the conditions to give India some early blows during the first semi-final at the Old Trafford.


Star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja did the famous sword celebration after he scored a much-required fifty from just 39 balls to help India remain alive in the tournament and beat the Kiwis in the semi-finals of the World Cup 2019.After bowling a dream spell with the ball yesterday, the star all-rounder was excellent as always in the field.

Indian cricket fans at the Old Trafford applauded the magnificent half-century by the all-rounder who was benched for most of the tournament. Jadeja tore apart the Kiwi bowling attack to “bits and pieces”. India were 173/6 in 43.3 overs and needs a magical knock from Dhoni and Jadeja to power India to the finals.

Earlier, in-form Rohit Sharma fell for 1, with Matt Henry getting him to edge behind. First time ever in ODI history the top-3 batsmen (Rohit , Rahul and Kohli) have all got out for 1 run each. With top-order failing it was upto the wicketkeepers, all-rounders and bowlers to take India through.

However, both Pandya and Pant played careless shots to add misery to India’s dismal show in the semi-final. Former skipper and senior batsman MS Dhoni arrived to bat, in his 350th ODI. India have lost only twice in ODIs when MS Dhoni remained not out in a chase.