India exit World Cup after 18-run loss to New Zealand

Valiant fight back from Ravindra Jadeja and Mahendra Singh Dhoni went in vain as India has been knocked out of the World Cup by New Zealand in the semi-final at Old Trafford in Manchester.

Chasing a target of 240, India fell short of 18 runs. With the win, New Zealand has now entered the finals of the World Cup. The Kiwis will now play the winners of the 2nd semi final match between Australia and England on June 11.

The 100-run partnership between MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja gave India some hope after a stunning top-order collapse left them reeling against New Zealand. But that wasn’t to be as both Jadeja and Dhoni got out in quick succession trying to up the ante.

Jadeja’s 77-run knock was the highest in the history of World Cup for a batsman batting at number ‘8’ in the second innings. MS Dhoni’s run out by Martin Guptill in the penultimate over gave New Zealand another World Cup title shot.

Chasing 240 for a place in the final, India were off to a horrific start as they lost their top-three batsmen inside four overs. The tournament’s top-scorer Rohit Sharma, skipper Virat Kohli and KL Rahul were all dismissed after scoring 1 run each in the innings.

India registered the lowest powerplay score in 2019 World Cup after being restricted to 24/4 in the first 10 overs against New Zealand in the semi-final.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand added 28 runs to their overnight score to finish at 239/8 after rain had stopped play on Tuesday. The Kiwi bowling attack turned the game around in the opening 19 balls, taking 3 wickets.

The next semi-final will be played at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Thursday between England and Australia.