Sports Reporter :
New Zealand reached the final of the ICC World Cup (WC) Cricket defeating India by 18 runs in the first semi-final at Old Trafford in Manchester on Wednesday.
New Zealand resumed their over-night score of 211 for the loss of five wickets in 46.1 overs and then added 28 runs using rest of the 23 balls. It may be mentioned that New Zealand’s innings could not finished Tuesday as rain interrupted the match.
The Kiwis made 239 runs for the loss of eight wickets on Wednesday and then all out India for 221 off 49.3 overs.
Matt Henry played the vital role to wrap up India’s innings. He captured three wickets at the cost of 37 runs. Matt Henry was adjudged the Man of the Match for his match-winning bowling performance.
Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson played the key role for New Zealand to make a fighting total. Taylor notched up 74, while Williamson made 67.
Buvneshawar Kumar was the most successful bowler for India. He captured three wickets for 43 runs.
Later, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni and shone with the willow against the tight, controlled and superb bowling attack against the bowlers of New Zealand.
Jadeja made 77, while Dhoni scored exact 50.
Santner and Boult bagged a couple of wickets instead of 34 and 42 runs respectively.
Besides, Ferguson and Neesham took one wicket each for 43 and 49 runs respectively.
The second semifinal will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Thursday, where defending champion Australia will take on hosts England. The winner of the second semifinal will face New Zealand in the final on July 14 at Lord’s, London.
