On Wednesday night (July 10) cricketers from Pakistan which also included former players had congratulated New Zealand for registering an 18-run win over India, in the first semi-final at the Old Trafford in Manchester.
Earlier, Kane Williamson-led side won the toss on Tuesday (July 9), which further saw some brilliant bowling from Team India.
Moreover, the game went into the reserve day after inclement weather forced officials to stop the play. Also, Kiwis resumed their innings on 211 for five in 46.1 overs.
The senior batsman Ross Taylor had scored 74 apart from Williamson’s 67 to help the Black Caps on posting a modest total of 239 for eight in 50 overs.
However, in response, India were in dire straits with three down at the score of five. In between, India had huffed and puffed to 92 for six before Ravindra Jadeja 77 (59) and MS Dhoni 50 (72) slammed 116-run partnership to keep hopes for the finale.
Unfortunately, it didn’t last long when Trent Boult managed to get rid of Jadeja, before Martin Guptill’s throw put an end to Dhoni’s innings.
Meanwhile, soon after the game, the Twittersphere had witnessed a mixed reaction following India’s exit from the ODI showpiece.
Besides, former and present Pakistan cricketers have also tweeted about the game, as Black Caps managed to make it to the final on the second consecutive time since 2015. Back then, Kiwis lost to Australia at the MCG by seven wickets.
Rawalpindi Express, Shoaib Akhtar has praised Jadeja and Dhoni for their remarkable show. He further deemed India-New Zealand contest as the ‘big upset’.
Former Pakistan skipper has termed it as a ‘great game’ for Jadeja. He further expressed surprise on seeing Kiwis bowlers restricting India’s batting line-up at 221.
Also, Wahab Riaz, who has been part of the World Cup squad had congratulated the Black Caps. Besides, Junaid Khan has referred to the low-scoring semi-final as ‘thrilling match’.
Here’s how Pakistan cricketers have had reacted following India’s 18-run loss in Manchester:
India did not bat well enough to reach the final. A resilient effort by Jadeja & Dhoni. They almost brought India back into the game.
So a big upset, New Zealand goes through to final, India knocked out. #INDvsNZ #CWC19 #semifinal— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) July 10, 2019
Stunning result in Manchester!! I had predicted an England-India final but NZ have been brilliant, unbelievable effort to restrict this India batting for such low total. Great game for Jadeja, hard luck India
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) July 10, 2019
What a thrilling game. This is what you call a #CWC semi final ?? congratulations @BLACKCAPS, well played!
— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) July 10, 2019
Thrilling match! Congratulations team @BLACKCAPS great all round performance. Hard luck team @BCCI
Looking forward to the second semi final and the final now.— Junaid khan 83 (@JunaidkhanREAL) July 10, 2019
Such a brutal game this Cricket and a great leveller… Bites you back when you are expecting the least #CWC19 I learnt a great lesson today “Never Abuse The Game” #INDvsNZL
— Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) July 10, 2019