Ravindra Jadeja’s gritty knock versus New Zealand went in vain, as India failed to chase down the target set by the Kiwis. At one point in the innings, India were at 5 runs and had already lost Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant tried to steady the ship, but ultimately it was Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni who got India tantalisingly close to the target.
In the end, India did lose by 18 runs as they were bowled out by the Kiwis, who will go on to face either England or Australia in the final. However, Ravindra Jadeja won the respect of an entire nation for his gritty knock, taming the New Zealand bowlers to some extent.
After Jadeja reached his half-century and celebrated, Rohit Sharma gestured towards him from the dressing the room. The video of Rohit Sharma’s gesture is going viral and winning over the internet.
Rohit Sharma wins hearts with gesture for Ravindra Jadeja during fighting knock against New Zealand #INDvNZ #CWC19https://t.co/0KXylJdmJY pic.twitter.com/GDAgf6AIBO
— Times Now Sports (@timesnowsports) July 11, 2019
New Zealand stunned India to reach their second successive World Cup final as they survived Ravindra Jadeja’s late heroics to clinch a thrilling 18-run win at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Two-time world champions India lost key batsmen Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul for just one run each. They slumped to five for three in pursuit of a target of 240 and were 24 for four when Dinesh Karthik was out. India, one of the pre-tournament favourites, were all but beaten at 92 for six when Jadeja came in to bat alongside MS Dhoni.
rohit gesturing to jadeja .. " you are strong" from the dressing room #indvsnz #indvnzal pic.twitter.com/hwY9i6X20L
— Super sampangi (@supersampangi) July 10, 2019
The pair gave India hope during a World Cup record seventh-wicket stand of 116, all-rounder Jadeja boldly leading the way with 77. Jadeja hit well-struck sixes off both Jimmy Neesham and left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner during a 39-ball fifty.
With 10 overs left, India were 150 for six and needing a further 90 runs off the final 60 balls of the innings. Jadeja got them closer with a superb straight six off fast bowler Lockie Ferguson and, with five overs left, the target was down to 52. But left-hander Jadeja’s 59-ball innings, featuring four fours and four sixes, ended when he skyed Boult to New Zealand captain Kane Williamson.
Nothing can beat this, when your loved ones are up there in the stands rooting for you with fingers crossed 🤞 pic.twitter.com/xPZSvlDba5
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) July 7, 2019
The match finished with three balls to spare when Chahal edged to wicketkeeper Tom Latham, a review confirming his dismissal and New Zealand’s shock victory.
