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.


The 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. The fans will pray that Dhoni, who possibly might be playing his last ODI for the national squad deliveries today the performance of his life.

The require run rate has gone past 6.5 and is nearing 7 per over. Fans who prayed it doesn't rain yesterday in the match starting praying for heavy rain until 20 overs. Here's why !