The Kiwis, spearheaded by their fast bowler Matt Henry (three for 37), skittled out hot favourites India for 221 in 49.3 overs and registered a stunning 18-runs win in the semi-final on the reserve day of the ICC World Cup 2019 at the Old Trafford in Manchester on Wednesday.

New Zealand, resuming at 211 for five in 46.1 overs, were restricted to 239 for eight in 50 overs. Overnight not out batsman Ross Taylor (74,90b, 3×4, 1×6) was run-out by a direct hit by Ravindra Jadeja. Medium-pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled with guile and took three for 43.

Bhuvneshwar removed Colin de Grandhomme (16), Latham (10) and Matt Henry (1). Mitchell Santner and Trent Boult remained not out and New Zealand scored 239 for eight in 50 overs.

India lose early wickets

In reply, India started badly, losing opener Rohit Sharma (1) caught by Latham off Matthew Henry (four for 1 in 1.3 overs).

Skipper Virat Kohli (1) was the next to depart falling leg-before to Boult (5 for two in 2.4 overs).

Opener Lokesh Rahul fell soon (five for three) in 3.1 overs caught behind the wicket off Matt Henry. Dinesh Karthik and Rishabh Pant tried to consolidate India’s innings.

India were reeling at 24 for four in 9.6 overs. Pant 32 (56b, 4×4) and Pandya (32, 62b, 2×4) added 47-runs before Pant holing out to Santner. (71 for five in 22.5 overs).

Pandya (32) and M.S. Dhoni (50, 72b, 1×4, 1×6) batted with confidence and added 21-runs before the former holed out to Williamson (92 for five in 30.3 overs).

Rearguard action

The real rescue act came with Ravindra Jadeja 77 (59b, 4×4, 4×6) and the evergreen M.S. Dhoni (50) who added 116-runs for the sixth wicket which revived hopes of India’s win.

Jadeja fell going for a big hit, while Dhoni was run-out going for the second run (216 for eight), and with the fall of Dhoni’s wicket India’s chances dimmed.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Chahal departed and India were bowled out for 221 in 49.3 overs.

Matt Henry took three for 37 and was well-supported by Trent Boult (two for 42) and Mitchell Santner (two for 34).

The Indian top order failed miserably and New Zealand fast bowlers bowled a tight line which spelt doom to the aspirations of the Indian batsmen.

Matt Henry was chosen as the Player of the Match.