Table of Contents
As it happened: New Zealand edged India by 18 runs to seal a place in the final for the second time in as many editions of the tournament. Ross Taylor’s 74 and Kane Williamson’s 64 helped the Kiwis put on a total of 239 runs on the board in 50 overs on reserve day after Tuesday’s play was washed out due to rain. India then suffered a top-order collapse but a century stand between Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni revived the chase. In the end, both were dismissed in quick succession as India lost the match in the last over.
India vs New Zealand 1st Semi Final July 9, 2019 Live Score and Live Streaming
India vs New Zealand, live score and updates:
Virat Kohli on the defeat
‘Bad 45 minutes in the knockouts puts you out of the tournament. Very proud of the way we played. Our shot selection could have been better but other than that, really proud of the way we played in the tournament. Credit to New Zealand as to how they bowled in the initial stages of the match. Jadeja changes the game in such a short time and his partnership with Dhoni was amazing. But cricket is a game of margins and it showed in the end with the run out.’
MOTM
Matt Henry is adjudged the man of the match for his outstanding performance. He ended up with outstanding figures of 3/37. He says that it is great feeling to have helped the team enter the final of the World Cup.
New Zealand win
Yuzvendra Chahal is the last Indian batsman to fall and with that New Zealand have won the match by 18 runs. Ravindra Jadeja’s heroics went in vain as the Kiwis sealed a place in the final for the second time in as many editions of the tournament.
Six and out
MS Dhoni sent a billion fans intro frenzy with a huge six off Lockie Ferguson. But then, Martin Guptill effected a direct hit to dismiss the former India captain. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the next batsman to be dismissed as India are nine down. 23 runs needed off the last over now.
Jadeja departs!
In trying to up the ante, Ravindra Jadeja is dismissed by Trent Boult for 77. The left-hander top edges the ball and Kane Williamson take a good high catch to break the partnership. Bhuvneshwar Kumar joins MS Dhoni in the middle. India need 31 off 12.
Excellent over from Henry
Mat Henry comes up with a sensational over under pressure as he gives away just five singles in the over. Trent Boult to bowl the 48th over as India need 37 off 18 deliveries.
100-run stand
Jadeja and Dhoni have put together 100-run stand off just 99 deliveries. Then, Jadeja edges a ball for a boundary as India score 10 runs off Trent Boult’s overs. 42 needed off 24 deliveries. This is going to be thrilling ride. Everyone please fasten your seat belts!
Fourth six for Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja hits Lockie Ferguson for a huge six over long-off. There was now fielder there and it made it easy for Jadeja to go for that shot. 10 runs from that over as India are going along with the chase nicely.
Jadeja living dangerously
James Neesham could have dismissed Ravindra Jadeja twice in the over but on both the ocassions the ball landed in front of the fielders. First, the Jadeja top-edged the ball in front of Ross Taylor at leg slip and then he hit the ball in front of the fielder at long-on. India need 62 off 36 now.
Stat attack
Fifty for Jadeja
His 11th ODI fifty
His 3rd against New Zealand in ODIs
His 1st WC fifty
The first number 8 Indian to score a fifty in WC matches
The first player to score a fifty at number 8 in a WC semi final match
Fifty for Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja brings up his half-century off just 39 deliveries and he comes his with his usual sword celebration. The Indian fans too are back in business. Three boundaries and three sixes have helped Jadeja go past the 50-run mark. But he of all people will know job is half done.
Another six for Jadeja
Bits and pieces hits his third six off the innings and bowler Santner sees the ball go over deep mid wicket ropes. 9 runs came from that over as India are now starting to put the pressure on the Kiwi bowlers. Stunning stuff this from Jadea as he has revived India’s chance on his own.
Jadeja on the attack
Ravindra Jadeja has made a match of this single-handedly and he leading their charge in the chase. He hits Lockie Ferguson for a boundary and then India score five runs off the remaining five deliveries. India now need 90 off 60 deliveries and the match seems to be heading right down to the wire.
Second six for Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja is not going down without a fight as he comes down the ground and hits Mitchell Santner for a huge six down the ground. Second six of the innings for Jadeja as Santner concedes 10 runs off the over. India need 99 off 66 deliveries.
Super shot from Jadeja
Mat Henry drops the ball short and Ravindra Jadeja hit the ball towards mid wicket for a boundary. Five runs off that over from Henry as he has now bowled 9 overs in the innings. The partnership between Dhoni and Jadeja is worth 39 now off 45 deliveries.
Tidy over from Henry
Trent Boult has been taken off after just one over in the second spell as Kane Williamson keeps his two overs for the final stages of the innings. Mat Henry comes into the attack and he bowls a four-run over. He too has now bowled 8 overs and his figures read 3/27.
Jadeja shows intent
Ravindra Jadeja is making MS Dhoni run hard between the wickets and that is resulting in India upping the run rate. Five runs came from Mitchell Santner’s over as India continue to stay alive in the match.
Excellent timing from Dhoni
MS Dhoni hits a perfect straight drive off Trent Boult and the ball goes away for a boundary down the ground. Boult concedes 8 runs off his first over in the second spell. In eight overs, Boult’s figures read 1/26.
First six of the innings
Ravindra Jadeja comes dancing down the track and hits James Neesham for a huge six straight over his over. With that, India have crossed the 100-run mark and the southpaw tells the fans the match is not over yet.
Stat attack
Hardik Pandya dismissed for 32 (62). 1st time dismissed by a spinner in ODIs this year. 4th time dismissed by Santner in ODIs, now the most times by a bowler to Pandya in ODIs
Pandya departs
Like Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya too throws away his wicket as he is dismissed by Mitchell Santner for 32. The right-hander went for the slog sweep and top edged the delivery in the air. Kane Williamson take a good catch at short mid wicket. India are six down in chase now and staring down the barrel.
Decent over for India
James Neesham gets hit for 7 runs in the over as India are nearing the 100-run mark now. MS Dhoni hits couple of shots towards covers to show that the match is still alive for India. These two have been batting well and need to continue for most parts of the innings.
Required rate jumping up
India’s scoring rate is at 2.96 at the moment and the required rate has gone up to 7.14 now. Pandya and Dhoni are just keeping India alive in the match as boundaries are hard to come by at the moment. Singles are the order of the day!
Excellent from Ferguson
Lockie Ferguson has now bowled 5 overs and he has conceded just 12 runs. He hasn’t picked up a wicket so far but he has created chances. Dhoni and Pandya will have to do something spectacular if India are to enter the final.
Dhoni needs to hold fort
Hardik Pandya has done well on one end and he has scored 26 runs off 47 deliveries thus far. MS Dhoni need to give him support from the other end and the two will have to build a partnership to keep the Kiwis at bay for as long as possible.
Pant departs
Mitchell Santner picks his first wicket of the day as he gets rid of Rishabh Pant for 32. The southpaw lost his patience and hit the ball into the hands of Colin de Grandhomme at mid wicket. India have lost half their side as MS Dhoni joins Hardik Pandya in the middle.
Another tidy over
James Neesham keeps a check on the scoring rate and gives just one run off his second over. India still have few batsmen left and so these two need to just keep on batting and take India’s score closer to the target.
Maiden over
Spinner Mitchell Santner comes into the attack and he bowls an excellent first over as it is a maiden. Although he didn’t give away any run, he didn’t threaten Hardik Pandya as he defended the deliveries quite comfortably.
Runs for Pant
Rishabh Pant hits his fourth boundary of the innings as James Neesham concedes 8 runs off his first over. Short and wide from Neesham and Pant went after the delivery. The ball took a thick edge and went for a four towards third man. 20 overs have been bowled now and India are way behind the required rate.
Good over for India
With boundaries hard to come by, Pant and Pandya are relying on singles and doubles and they score 9 runs off Colin de Grandhomme’s second over. India are slowly and steadily rebuilding the innings despite some impeccable bowling from the Kiwis.
Half-chance
Lockie Ferguson makes Hardik Pandya hit the ball in the air but to India’s luck, the ball lands away from Martin Guptill, who was fielding at short mid wicket. This is the second time Ferguson has been denied a wicket today. 4 runs came from his over as India cross the 50-run mark.
Good first over from CDG
Colin de Grandhomme bowls a good first over and gives away just 4 runs. India need to just build a partnership and steady the ship. Pant and Pandya have shown they can bat on this track and they need to weather this storm that has wrecked the Indian boat.
Second boundary for Pandya
Hardik Pandya hits Matt Henry for a boundary towards sweeper cover and this is his second boundary of the innings. Pant and Pandya are trying to stitch a partnership and bail India out of trouble. So far they have added 19 runs off 27 deliveries.
Dropped!
India should have been five down but James Neesham drops a tough chance at short mid wicket and Rishabh Pant survives for 18. The ball was hit hard and Neesham let the ball go in between his hands. Lockie Ferguson cannot believe his luck as he almost picked a wicket on his first ball of the day.
India has hope
Matt Henry provided the first breakthrough by producing an outside edge of Rohit’s bat and Tom Latham took an easy catch behind the stumps. Kohli was sent back into the hut by Trent Boult, who trapped him LBW for 1. The India skipper opted for the DRS but umpire’s call was retained. Rahul too nicked a Henry delivery into the hands of Latham for 1.
India have now set an unwanted record in the history of World Cup semi-finals. 5/3 is the lowest total for the loss of three wickets in World Cup semis. Earlier, Australia held this unwanted record as they were reduced to 8/3 against Windies in the 1996 edition of the tournament in Mohali.
Karthik departs
By jeez, that is a stunner from Jimmy Neesham. Length ball on off, Karthik takes the front foot forward, opens the face of the bat, the ball flies to the right of Neesham who sticks out his right hand and grabs an absolute corker. New Zealand are on the charge, they are absolutely relentless.
Pant, Karthik seeing off this phase
After the top order demolition, Pant and Karthik are looking to see of this phase. This has been a proper test, the ball has swung around, but these batsmen are tying to combat the storm.
KL Rahul goes back
This is collapse, this is massive. KL Rahul offers a meek bat to the ball which is outside off and the ball takes the shoulder of the bat and Tom Latham takes the catch. Boy, this is some start for New Zealand, India are on the mat.
Kohli out
Man, this is a colossal moment in this World Cup. Boult traps Kohli, India on the mat, they are rocked early here and India are on the mat early here. Now, this is set up so nicely, New Zealand are flying, India are stunned, the crowd has lost its voice.
Rohit departs
Length ball angled in, it then hits the seam and decks away just a touch, Rohit lunges forward, ball takes the edge and Latham takes the catch comfortably. Dream start for New Zealand, this is a huge wicket and India have been rocked early.
Chase commences
Out walk Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul. New Zealand need early wickets, they cannot contain this Indian batting order. Trent Boult has enjoyed himself against Rohit Sharma. Will he get the in-form Rohit another time? India are the favourites, but well, they have to score these runs and there is pressure of the semis.
Innings over
Jasprit Bumrah bowls an excellent last over and concedes just seven runs off it. With that, New Zealand end their innings at 239/8 in 50 overs. Ross Taylor top scored with 74 while Kane Williamson hit 67. For India, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the pick of the bowlers as he scalped 3/43. Four other Indian bowlers scalped one wicket each.
Third wicket for Bhuvi
Mitchell Santner hit Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the first boundary of the day but the India pacer hit back by getting rid of Matt Henry for 1. The right hander hit the ball straight into the hands of Virat Kohli at long-on. Kiwis are eight down now.
Spectacular catch from Jadeja
You just cannot keep Ravindra Jadeja out of the game as after effecting a brilliant direct hit, he takes a blinder at deep mid wicket to get rid of Tom Latham for 10. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has picked his second wicket of the innings as Kiwis are seven down now.
Direct hit from Jadeja
With boundaries hard to come by, Kiwis were settling for singles and doubles and Ravindra Jadeja has put an end to that as well. He effects a brilliant direct hit from mid wicket to get rid of Ross Taylor for 74. Kiwis are six down now and Tom Latham has been joined by Mitchell Santner in the middle.
Good over for NZ
Excellent running between the wicket helped New Zealand score 8 runs from Bhuvi’s over. There were three doubles in the over and couple of singles as well. New Zealand will look to get closer to the 250-run mark. Jasprit Bumrah to bowl his second last over of the innings now.
Match begins
The two sets of players are out in the middle and we are about to get underway at Old Trafford. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has the ball in his hands and he will complete his over by bowling the five deliveries. Tom Latham is on the non striker end and Ross Taylor will face the first ball of the day.
All set in Manchester
The match will resume at 3:00 PM IST and Ross Taylor and Tom Latham will be at the crease for New Zealand. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will complete his 9th over by bowling the first five deliveries of the day. He and Jasprit Bumrah will complete the 50 overs for India.
Kohli the bowler
Virat Kohli is warming up by bowling on the practice pitches. Before the game, he had joked he is a very ‘lethal bowler’. In the past as well, he himself has said he has a very funny bowling action and it has now come to the fore in Manchester.
Weather update
It seems weather gods have relented and sun is playing hide and seek in Manchester. Indians fans have painted the city blue once again, which is known for its ‘Red’ dominance over the years. We should (dare we say) have a full match today.
Reserve day gets thumbs up
Former India cricketers Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman tell the official broadcaster that they are happy with the reserved day format. Laxman says: “A team can be at the top of their game in the league stage but can be beaten by rain in the knockouts so this format is
Break timings
After New Zealand have completed their innings, there will only be a 10 minute break before Indian batsmen will be out in the middle to begin the chase. It seems that rain could be the only thing that could put the breaks on the match, if at all.
Pitch report
Sanjay Manjrekar tells the official broadcaster that the pitch has returned to its original form which would be slow. So it could to be a struggled for the batsmen once again. Yesterday, Kane Williamson and Co couldn’t light up Manchester with their batting but they still managed to take the team past the 200-run mark. If they are able to score 250, expect their bowlers to exploit the slowness of the pitch by taking the pace off the ball.
Warm-up underway
The two sets of players are in the middle and they are warming up for the rest of the match. New Zealand will resume their innings at 211/5 in 46.1 overs. Ross Taylor will resume innings at 67 and he will be partnered by Tom Latham (3).
Live pictures from the venue
Hardik Pandya is out on the ground and he is knocking the ball around. MS Dhoni is sitting in the dressing room, trying to figure out the conditions. It remains overcast in Manchester and rain could cause trouble once more.
India bowlers were on a rampage
New Zealand could muster only 27/1 in 10 overs and this was the lowest score by any team in the tournament in the first powerplay. This score by the Black Caps was one run short of India’s total against England in the group stage. Including Hardik Pandya’s 10th over, Indian bowlers bowled 43 dots in the first 10 overs and that helped in stifling the batsmen.
McCullum predicts winning score
Legendary Kiwi cricketer Brendon McCullum feels 250 could be the winning score on this wicket.
Record for Dhoni
Former India captain MS Dhoni became only the second Indian after Sachin Tendulkar to play 350 ODIs. Dhoni became the 10th cricketer to play 350 ODIs in the world after Tendulkar, who has played the most number of ODIs (463), Mahela Jayawardena(448), Sanath Jayasuriya(445), Kumar Sangakkara (404), Shahid Afridi (398), Inzamam-ul-Haq (378), Ricky Ponting (375), Wasim Akram (356) and Muttiah Muralitharan (350). Dhoni also became the first cricketer to play 350 ODIs at a stretch as a designated wicket-keeper. Sri Lanka’s Sangakkara had played 360 ODIs as a keeper but those were not at a stretch. He had played 44 ODI as a specialist batsman too.
High praise for Rohit
“Rohit is one of the greatest one-day players. Whether he would have scored runs in this competition or not, just seeing his record over the years… the three double hundreds in ODIs “No one has done that. He has been really consistent for India at the top. His form was no surprise. If he chooses a tournament like the World Cup to get that form in, as a coach, I will take it,” India head coach Ravi Shastri told ICC.
Weather update
The forecast suggest rain can play spoilsport once again today but at the moment, the weather in Manchester seem to fine. Much will depend upon the ground conditions a well. In case the match cannot be finished today, India will progress into the final.
All possible revised DLS targets for India
Here is what DLS target would be for India:
– If India get 46 overs, the target will be 237
– If India get 40 overs, the target will be 223
– If India get 35 overs, the target will be 209
– If India get 30 overs, the target will be 192
– If India get 25 overs, the target will be 172
– If India get 20 overs, the target will be 148
Record for Kane Williamson
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson yet again led his team from the front as he weathered an early storm to help build a strong platform in the crucial ICC World Cup semi-final encounter against India at the Old Trafford in Manchester on Tuesday. With the Indian pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar breathing fire with the new ball, Williamson dropped anchor and steered the Kiwis out of trouble after the early dismissal of out of form opener Martin Guptill.
Day for the Indian bowlers
Proof of India’s growing bowling superiority lies in how a team struggles for 17 deliveries to get off the mark in a World Cup semi-final. But was that New Zealand’s plan all along? With Kane Williamson as captain, one can never be too sure. Cut from the same cloth as MS Dhoni, Williamson believes in taking the game deep, playing out the entire quota of 300 balls and treating every delivery on its merit before it’s time to throw caution in the air. It paid massive dividends in the Birmingham thriller against South Africa. Against a team on song like India however, it’s tougher to pull off.
Experts not happy with the pitch
Former cricketers have come down heavily on the pitch used for the first World Cup semi-final between India and New Zealand here at Old Trafford. New Zealand found it tough to score runs after opting to bat on what seemed to be a slow and two-paced surface here on Tuesday. The Kiwis managed to reach 211 for five in 46.1 overs before rain pushed the match to the reserve day.
Controversy in the stands, again
Several spectators were Tuesday handcuffed and ejected from Old Trafford during the first World Cup semi-final between India and New Zealand after mounting a political protest. The fans were apparently Sikh separatists who wore T-shirts and held banners demanding a referendum on an independent homeland to be carved out of India.
Reserve day beckons
With less than four overs to go in what was a New Zealand batting innings that never really did get going, rain halted play first temporarily for three hours, and then permanently for the day. This, then, ensured that the umpires had no other option than to push the first semi-final of this World Cup into its reserve day on Wednesday, where the match will resume (hopefully, considering there is rain forecast for Wednesday as well) exactly where it left off; Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowling the 47th over to Ross Taylor.
What if ?
What will happen if it rains entire day and there’s no match at all today ?
Well no more reserve day if no play today, it will be Team India who will find themselves in the Grand Finale due finishing higher in the points table during league/group stage.
Weather Update
Early morning showers expected at Manchester, while the whole day is set to be overcast today, Need to be careful of Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson
Day 2
Welcome to day 2 of the 1st semi-final match between India ?? and New Zealand ??, New Zealand set to resume from where they left off yesterday 211/5 and they have 23 balls remaining until we get to see chase from Team India, This is Tasirul Momin from team Gifincric starting off the coverage
Play abandoned
The match is abandoned for today and the play will resume tomorrow. It was a long wait for the cricket fans but it was not possible to get any more action today. We have to wait for tomorrow now and New Zealand will start the innings from the place where they ended today.
Decision Time
The umpires are out in the middle and we will shortly be informed about whether there will be any more play today or not.
Final Inspection
The final inspection is stated for 10:40 IST and that will decide the fate of today’s game. The rain is still there but the grounds staff is working on the pitch and the outfield.
Losing Overs
The deduction of overs have started and we will be losing one over every four minutes. The cut off time for the match to begin in roughly 23:00 IST but it can be extended by an hour if ICC believes that the situation is under control. However, right now, the chances are looking quite slim.
Rain update
The weather gods have relented and rain has slowed down a bit. However, till the time it doesn’t stop to rain completely, the ground staff cannot begin their work. And even if they start their work, it seems they will take a bit of time to ready the ground for the match.
Rain update
It appears that rain has slowed down in Manchester and the ground-staff are working hard to get the pitch ready for the match to restart. Despite the rain slowing down, we are still some distance away before we will see the players out in the middle again.
Rain memes!
Till the time rain is playing spoilsport, here are some best Tweets that will bring about a smile on your face –
Super soppers at work
It is still raining down heavily at the venue and the ground staff are working double time to keep things dry. Super soppers are trying to keep water from logging on the covers. We will have an official word from the venue regarding the scenarios only after the rain stops.
Rain stops play!
The players have made their way back into their respective dressing rooms as the match has been halted due to rain. New Zealand have put on 211/5 in 46.1 overs and they have 23 balls to get closer to the 250-run mark. The pitch has been covered entirely by the ground staff for the moment.
Comedy of errors
India should have conceded one run but they ended up giving away three. Yuzvendra Chahal threw the ball from the third man region after Ross Taylor had nudged the ball in that direction. MS Dhoni couldn’t stop the ball and the batsmen went for the double. Then Virat Kohli had a shy after stopping the ball at mid-off and there was no one to back up and the batsmen scampered for one more. Seven runs from that Bumrah over.
Bhuvi strikes
OUT! A soft dismissal for Grandhomme. It was slower delivery from Bhuvneshwar, Grandhomme tried to nudge it down to thrid man but only manages to glove to Dhoni, behind the stumps, who takes the catch without any discomfort. New Zealand 5 down.
DRS to the rescue
DRS saves Ross Taylor. The Impact is outside off and he survives. Did not see that coming. He was actually walking off after looking at the first few replays but then had to come back. This is very full around off. Taylor looks to sweep the pacer but misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal and the umpire raises the finger. Taylor reviews after a chat with Colin. Replays roll in and they the on-field call has to be overturned.
18 runs
Biggest over in the New Zealand innings. Yuzvendra Chahal has been taken apart in the last over of his spell. Is this the over that will swing the momentum towards New Zealand?
Fifty for Taylor
SIX! What a way to get to your 50th ODI half-century. But it perhaps is Ross Taylor’s toughest fifty so far. He has really struggled to get going but perhaps this six will get him going.
Grandhomme gets a boundary
FOUR! Brilliant from Grandhomme. Not the greatest of deliveries from Pandya, especially with a very fine third-man but credit to Grandhomme, he just dabbed it and found the gap to perfection. He’s the only New Zealander in to get to double figures at better than a run-a-ball
Pandya gets Neesham
OUT! Jimmy Neesham departs. The slow nature of the wicket has done Neesham in. He looks to whip it over the leg side. But plays it early and ends up mistiming it towards wide long. Karthik takes a good catch running to his left. So just as Neesham looked to step on the gas, he departs.
Neesham breaks free
FOUR! New Zealand desperately needed that and Jimmy Neesham finally provides it. Not the ideal shot though but he will take it. Shorter in length again and on the body. Neesham drags it through backward square leg and the ball races away to the fence.
Brilliant Bumrah
You can’t just get Bumrah away. He is just brilliant with his variation and what makes him even more dangerous is is accuracy. 4 runs from 40th over. This is getting more and more difficult for New Zealand
Rohit drops Neesham
In the air…and DROPPED! Rohit Sharma won’t be happy with that. Tough chance though. Back of a length ball around off, the ball sticks on the pitch while it comes onto Jimmy. He top edges his pull and it falls to the right and behind of short mid-wicket. Rohit runs and stretches on that side. He gets his finger tips on it but cannot do anything else. Single taken.
Scratchy Taylor
It has been a real struggle for Ross Taylor. He just hasn’t found the middle of the bat. 31 off 60 when you have 7 wickets in hand and only 12 overs remaining, is juts not good enough. But credit must be given to the Indian bowlers, the spinners in particular.
Williamson falls
OUT! Huge moment in the game, Kane Williamson falls for 67, Yuzvendra Chahal provides the breakthrough for India. He bowls it slower through the air around off, Williamson was looking to go after this one and rightfully so as New Zealand need to put the foot on the gas. Kane looks to loft his drive through the off side but gets a thick outside edge on it. The ball lobs up and goes straight to Jadeja at backward point.
Jimmy Neesham comes in at No. 5
Excruciating batting
The game plan from New Zealand is making no sense at the moment. Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor are two well set batsmen but they are showing no intent to accelerate the run rate and if they don’t start soon, 250 or more is looking quite unlikely. NZ 128/2 after 34.2 overs.
Partnership Stats
50 partnership between Williamson/Taylor
The 30th 50+run partnership between the pair in ODIs
The 5th 50+ partnership for the 3rd wicket in this WC for NZ
Edged and just short
Jasprit Bumrah comes back into the attack and almost immediately gives India the breakthrough. Did that carry to MS Dhoni? It did look like it fell inches short from Dhoni’s gloves but it was very close. Bumrah bowls a leg cutter, Taylor doesn’t pick it, gets an outside edge and it falls short from Dhoni. But what a bowler this Bumrah is.
Some Williamson stas
Kane Williamson’s 39th fifty in ODIs
His 8th fifty vs India in ODIs
His 4th 50+ score in this WC
Only the 2nd time a NZ captain has scored a 50+ knock against India in WC Glenn Turner scored a 114* in 1975
Fifty for Williamson
There’s the half-century for Williamson. A typical innings from the New Zealand captain, no risk, no flamboyance but all class. But he needs to give this innings a lift here, India have kept the run rate under control.
Two boundaries
2 boundaries coming from Chahal’s 6th over. Good one from the New Zealand perspective. Both Williamson and Taylor found the boundary and New Zealand needed that, they are in desperate need of a move on.
Pandya gets through an over
Hardik Pandya starts his second spell and gingerly gets through his 5th over. He did not look comfortable at all but it looks like he will be able to complete his 10 overs, huge relief for Virat Kohli and India.
Brillant from Chahal
This is stunning from Yuzvendra Chahal. He started his spell by conceding 5 wides but since then have given nothing away. He has made the ball turn and kept Ross Taylor honest.
Pandya back
Good news for India, Hardik Pandya is back on the field but he doesn’t look a 100%. Virat Kohli would be hoping, he can somehow get through his remaining 6 overs and don’t forget, if New Zealand get a decent score then India will Pandya the batsman too.
Good period for India
The ball is turning, Jadeja and Chahal have found their rhythm, it’s a good period for India. You get a feeling Williamson is the key here. If India get him early, then it will be difficult for New Zealand’s middle-order to cope with Chahal and Jadeja.
Jadeja strikes
BOWLED! Straight through the defences of Henry Nicholls, Ravindra Jadeja strikes and India get their second wicket. Nothing special about that ball, Nicholls just missed the line and it somehow snuck through between his bat and pad and clipped the top off the stumps.
Chahal gives 8 runs in his first over
8 runs from Chahal’s first over, a very good one from the New Zealand point of view. Chahal won’t be happy with his first ball which resulted in 5 wides.
Injury concern for Pandya
Only 2 runs from Hardik Pandya’s over and that too from wides but that’s none of India’s concerns now. Pandya was really struggling with his left hamstring, he somehow managed to complete his over and then walked off the field. This could be a huge moment in the game. India are playing only 5 bowlers and Pandya is one of them.
50 up for New Zealand
50-run partnership between Nicholls/Williamson
Only the 2nd 50-run partnership for the 2nd wicket for New Zealand in this World Cup
After 5 ODI innings against India has the 2nd wicket New Zealand pair put up atleast 50 runs stand
5 from Jadeja’s 2nd
This is good batting from both Williamson and Nicholls. They have not allowed Jadeja to settle into a good rhythm. After taking 7 from his first over they have now milked him for 5 in his second over. New Zealand 44/1 after 13.
Jadeja into the attack
The spinner has been on the money right from ball 1, Nicholls has decided to sweep him from ball one. Williamson is looking as solid as ever. This will be a crucial phase for both sides, this is where this game will be decided.
Solid Kane
After the struggles of Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson has looked far more settled. New Zealand, however, have not been able to break the shackles, Indian bowlers are bossing proceedings right now. There are absolutely no freebies on offer at all.
Boom…BUMRAH
What an absolute peach. Length ball angled in, the ball seams away, Guptill prods forward, ball takes the outside edge and captain Kohli gobbles it up in second slip. What a start by India, Bumrah has been absolutely brilliant, he has been relentless and it is some catch by the skipper.
Brilliant start by India
Two maidens on the bounce, there are no freebies on offer. New Zealand are jittery, the Indian seamers are confident and up and running quickly off the blocks
Bumrah from the other end
And he is on the money right away, length ball angled away, Nicholls shoulders arms, and the next ball he pokes at it and is beaten. Bumrah is right on the money
Guptill survives scare
What a ball to get started. Length ball angled in, traps Guptill right in front. Huge appeal, the crowd erupts too, umpire is unmoved and after a long long deliberation, Kohli refers it. Well, the ball is missing the stumps and India have lost their review off the very first ball.
India playing XI
Lokesh Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli(c), Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni(w), Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah
Playing XIs
New Zealand (Playing XI): Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham(w), James Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Trent Boult
Kohli speaks
It’s going to remain similar throughout the course of the game. We’ve played really good cricket in Manchester, two good games, and it’s about focussing on the basics. We need to remember why we are in the semis. Chahal comes back in for Kuldeep Yadav.
Toss updates
Kane Williamson has called correctly, New Zealand will bat first.
Kane Williamson: We’re going to have a bat. It looks like a good surface. We have played a number of games here. A toss-up with the overheads, but it’ll be around all day, so we need to get the job first up. We are used to the routine, but we have a great opportunity to put up a good performance against a side like India. Ferguson comes in for Southee.
Pitch and conditions report
Even though it’s overcast, the wicket looks dry. It’s fresh, and it’s definitely a bat-first wicket. Semi-final, there will be a lot of scoreboard pressure. Perhaps India might try Jadeja for batting depth. Jadhav has got Williamson and Taylor out before, so he might pip Karthik into the Playing XI: says VVS Laxman.
What if the match is washed out today?
If the weather forces the game to be washed out, it will recommence the following day from where it was stopped. The result of the toss, too, will be taken forward even if not a single ball is bowled.
So far so good
The weather has cleared out and it looks like there won’t be any problems to start the game on time. There are chances of rain again in the evening but nothing much to worry as it might just be a passing shower
Predicted XIs
India: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah
New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
Team India on their way
Virat Kohli and Co are making their way to the stadium from the hotel now. The official broadcasters just showed the footage of the players boarding the bus amid huge fan fare. The players also acknowledged the support of the fans who were standing outside the team hotel.
MS Dhoni vs Mitchell Santner
MS Dhoni has scored 223 runs in 8 matches with one half century but his strike rate has been the subject of a lot of criticism among fans and experts alike. However, the team and skipper Virat Kohli has defended him time and time again with the semifinal providing him with the perfect opportunity to silence his critics with a brilliant innings. However, against the off-spinner Santner, he has not been able to run quickly. In the 95 balls Dhoni has faced against Santner, he has scored just 54 runs with a strike rate of 56.84 and he will be looking to improve that statistic.
Ross Taylor vs Mohammed Shami
Ross Taylor has been a mainstay in the New Zealand middle order for quite some time now and although he has scored just two fifties in the tournament, he was part of a number of significant partnerships with skipper Kane Williamson. With the opening partnership not working that well for the Kiwis, a lot of responsibility is on his shoulders and he is the one who is tasked with steadying the innings in middle overs. But, with Mohammed Shami in the form that he is enjoying, it is much easier said than done. With 14 wickets from 4 matches, he has established himself as a credible threat and on Tuesday, he will once again be looking to strike early for Team India.
Virat Kohli vs Lockie Ferguson
Kohli may not have scored a single century in the ICC World Cup 2019 till now but his knocks have been quite significant for his side. With 442 runs and five fifties, he has once again proved his huge importance for the Indian cricket team and against New Zealand, he will be once again be the batsman to watch out for. However, his task will not be easy as he will be up against the in-form pacer Lockie Ferguson. Ferguson has impressed everyone with his pace and bounce and with 17 wickets from 7 matches, it will be unwise to underestimate the threat posed by him.
Kane Williamson vs Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah came into the tournament as the top ranked ODI bowler in the world and he has certainly lived up to the expectations. With 17 wickets under his kitty, he has been quite impactful for the Indian cricket team and his death over bowling has been crucial for his team’s fortunes. For New Zealand, Kane Williamson has been equally (if not more) impactful with the bat. The Kiwi skipper has scored two centuries and one fifty till now and with 481 runs, he will be looking to nullify the threat of Bumrah when the two teams face off in the semifinals.
Rohit Sharma vs Trent Boult
Rohit Sharma has been the standout performer for the Indian cricket team in ICC World Cup 2019 till now. With 5 centuries and 647 runs in 8 matches, the opener has been head and shoulders above his immediate competition. On the other hand, there is Trent Boult who has been the strike bowler for New Zealand and although he will not be happy with his tally of 15 wickets, he has made it a habit to take early wickets. Before the tournament, Boult troubled India in their warm-up encounter and he will certainly be the biggest concern for Rohit on Tuesday.
Rohit eyes history
Rohit Sharma has a chance to break two massive World Records. He needs only 27 runs to better Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of most runs in a single edition of a World Cup and needs 1 more century to equal Tendulkar’s record for most hundreds in World Cups. Rohit, who has scored 5 hundreds in World Cup 2019 – a record – like Tendulkar, has 6 World Cup centuries to his name.
What happens if it’s a wash out?
If the match indeed is washed out, there is a reserve day in the offing. However, the forecast is not too bright even on Wednesday. If the match is washed out on the reserve day too then India will progress through to the finals as they finished at number 1 points table with 15 points while New Zealand scraped through with 11 points and were placed at number 4 on the points table.
Aakash Chopra provides an update
“Really Overcast. But dry right now. Fingers toes crossed. Reporting from Manchester, tweeted former India opener Aakash Chopra.
Weather update
According to the British Met department, the skies are likely to remain rather cloudy throughout Tuesday. There will be the risk of the odd light shower again. Also, as per forecasts, there are chances of cloudier skies and intermittent showers right through the day. The maximum temperature in Manchester is expected to be around 20 degrees.
Kane Williamson speaks
“What we didn’t expect coming into the tournament was the large variety of conditions that we faced. That definitely made batting with any rhythm a challenge for everybody,” Williamson said ahead of the semi-final
Kohli on handling pressure
“It comes back to the same point, handling pressure. You make two bad decisions while you are chasing and the game goes away from you, too far to pull it back. So I assume that that is going to be the case because having been in so many chases, I understand that the pressure can be very high if you don’t go with the pace of the game, and then understanding the magnitude of the tournament like this you probably are going to end up making a couple of mistakes and the opposition is not going to let you off after that,” Kohli said.
Coach Shastri speaks
India head coach, Ravi Shastri, lauded team India’s performance ahead of the India-New Zealand semi-final match on Tuesday in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. In a video posted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Twitter, Shastri praised Indian players for their brilliant performance in the tournament. Shastri hailed Rohit Sharma and said that he is one of the greatest ODI players. The 32-year-old Indian batsman has been in great form in the World Cup so far scoring 647 runs from eight innings.
Preview
Plenty of water and runs have flown under the bridge between Malaysia and Manchester. Kohli and Williamson have become era-defining batsmen and undisputed modern-day greats. They have not only experienced playing in World Cup semi-finals in the past, but also winning (Kohli in 2011, Williamson in 2015) and losing (Williamson in 2011, Kohli in 2015).
Kohli vs Kane, India vs New Zealand
Virat Kohli took on Kane Williamson in a semi-final 11 years ago. India tripped New Zealand, entered the finals and then lifted the Under-19 trophy. The scenario is similar, the stakes are much higher and like that night back in 2008, there is also forecast of rain. The pressure will be on India and New Zealand know this. They are comfortable being the underdogs, they are very good at punching above their weight and this is what makes them dangerous. India have the momentum and New Zealand have the fight – it all boils down to handling the nerves on the day after that first ball is bowled.