In a nail-biting semi-final of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, New Zealand emerged victorious, edging past India by 18 runs. The semi-final, held over two days due to rain interruptions, was marked by exceptional bowling performances and an incredible fightback from India.
Sanjay Bangar who was the batting coach of the Indian team revealed what happened inside the dressing room after the crushing defeat. The Indian players could not hold their emotions after the loss. Senior players including MS Dhoni shed tears. Youngsters Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant too cried bitterly after the semifinal.
Sanjay Bangar said
Sanjay Bangar said, “players including MS Dhoni, Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya couldn’t stop their tears and cried bitterly in the dressing room after losing the 2019 World Cup Semis”.
New Zealand, opting to bat first, scored 239/8 in their innings. The Indian bowlers, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, put up a disciplined display, restricting the Kiwi batsmen. Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor’s partnership of 68 and 65 runs for the second and third wickets held the innings together.
In response, India faced a daunting challenge when Matt Henry and Trent Boult reduced them to 5 for 3. Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni orchestrated a remarkable comeback, putting up a 116-run partnership to keep India’s hopes alive. Jadeja played a heroic innings, scoring 77 off 59 balls.
With 37 needed from the last 18 balls, Jadeja’s dismissal to a slower ball from Trent Boult shifted the momentum. MS Dhoni continued to fight, scoring 50 runs, but was run out by Martin Guptill in a dramatic fashion in the penultimate over.
New Zealand’s bowling attack, especially Boult, Henry, and Mitchell Santner, maintained the pressure on India. Despite a valiant effort, India fell short, managing a total of 221 runs.
This semi-final showcased a thrilling encounter between two cricketing giants. New Zealand advanced to the World Cup final, while India faced the heartbreak of a semi-final exit for the second consecutive tournament.
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