Virat Kohli wailed of first 45 minutes of batting for Indian defeat
The drama of the first semi-final is finally over. After the first day washed out due to rain after New Zealand‘s batting till 46 overs, the second day gives cricket fans a huge entertainment where tournament hot favorite India lost to New Zealand by 18 runs. The whole Indian cricket team, as well as its huge fandom, got shocked after the collapse while Indian skipper Virat Kohli wailed of the first 45 minutes of batting which led them to lose the game.
Virat Kohli wailed of first 45 minutes of batting for Indian defeat
India can also blame them for their collapse. They were not smart enough, although the target wasn’t big. Their batsmen failed under extreme pressure. Since the disaster of 2017 CT final, India never lost Kohli and Rohit so easily. The batting order was also questionable as experienced MS Dhoni came into the crease at number 7 while inexperienced players got the nod ahead of him.
On the other hand, Kiwis skipper Kane Williamson was calm and absolutely outstanding.
We did well in the first half. We were sensational on the ball and restricted New Zealand in chaseable score. We knew we had a great yesterday and we had a very good feeling about it. But, then first half-an-hour of our batting made the difference. All the credits to New Zealand bowlers who bowled extremely well. Jadeja played a great innings and made a great partnership with Dhoni. They did what they best could do. Its really sad when you played well at the whole tournament and then, first 45 minutes destroyed you.
Kohli said at after match press conference. He also congratulated the Black Caps and thanked fans.
NZ totally deserve it. They played a very good match especially their pacers were outstanding. I want to thank all the fans who supported us. Thanks for coming out in huge numbers.
Kiwis skipper Kane Williamson gives credits to his bowlers –
It’s a different feeling. We didn’t do well in batting but our bowlers didn\t back off and showed their characters. India showed why they are one of the best teams in the world. The rain changed the conditions and our bowlers were solid with the new ball. India was nearly won it through MS Dhoni and Jadeja but the end of the day, we didn’t disheartened and backed ourselves. Anything can happen on a special day.
Man of the Match Kiwis pacer Matt Henry emphasized their bowling and thanks to their supporters.
On the break, we promised ourselves we will try our best and we kept the promise. We did what we needed to do against the best batting lineup in the world. Dhoni and Jadeja is a world-class finisher and they were nearly defeated us. We needed to finish it off and we did it. It’s a great feeling to earn ourselves to the Lord’s final and we are looking forward to it. Thanks to all New Zealand’s supporters to support us in difficult times
New Zealand will face Australia or England in the upcoming final on Sunday, July 14 which will happen in the historic ground of Lord’s, London.