Henry's Triple Blow Stuns The Top-order, Shatters India's Dream

Despite Jadeja’s incredible knock and his gallant century stand with Dhoni, the Men in Blue fall short by 18 runs to crash out in the semifinals.

- K.C. Vijaya Kumar

The bugles were silenced, drums got discarded and disbelief reigned. For the Indian fans, a boisterous morning slipped into an afternoon of melancholy despite Ravindra Jadeja’s incredible knock, as New Zealand stunned Virat Kohli’s men in the World Cup semifinal at Old Trafford here on Wednesday.

Efficiency trumped flair and Kane Williamson’s men showed that they could win without a snarl. Pursuing New Zealand’s 239 for eight, India finished with 221 in 49.3 overs. Jadeja’s 77 (59b, 4x4, 4x6) was pulse-pounding but it was fated to end in tragedy while the Kiwis snatched an 18-run victory.

Modest targets can be tricky and India needed a solid start but, instead, a nightmare ensued. Rohit Sharma nibbled at a Matt Henry (three for 37) delivery, the edge was grazed, wicketkeeper Tom Latham caught with glee and boom, the World Cup’s most prolific batsman departed.

Joy in waves