(Source X)
Five years ago today, India’s journey in the 2019 Cricket World Cup came to an end with a devastating 18-run loss to New Zealand in the first semifinal.
The critical moment was marked by MS Dhoni’s pivotal run-out. The match, originally held on July 9, 2019, at Old Trafford in Manchester, had to resume on the reserved day, July 10, due to rain interruptions.
After Kane Williamson opted to bat first, Indian bowlers made initial breakthroughs before rain halted play for the day. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah bowled probing spells, testing the New Zealand batsmen.
Henry Nicholls and Kane Williamson steadied the innings with a 68-run partnership until Nicholls fell to Ravindra Jadeja. Williamson’s 67 anchored New Zealand’s total beyond 100. Play resumed with New Zealand at 211/5. Ross Taylor’s run-out, coupled with Kumar’s strikes dismissing Tom Latham and Matt Henry, restricted New Zealand to 239/8.
India’s chase of 240 began with early setbacks, sinking to 92/6. A remarkable 116-run stand between MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, the highest ever for the seventh wicket in World Cup history, revived India’s hopes. Despite Jadeja’s brave 77 off 59 balls, India fell short, all out for 221 in 49.3 overs.
New Zealand’s win secured them a second consecutive World Cup final berth. The match hung in the balance until Martin Guptill’s direct hit ran out Dhoni, sealing India’s fate. India’s top-order collapse, compounded by tight bowling from Matt Henry and Trent Boult, proved decisive. Although Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya briefly reignited hopes, Jadeja’s dismissal and Dhoni’s run-out in the penultimate over ended India’s pursuit.
The day prior, Kane Williamson’s consistent form and Ross Taylor’s contributions set a target that initially seemed attainable for India’s strong batting lineup.
