Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round heroics couldn’t save India from the blushes against a spirited New Zealand side. The Kiwis registered an 18-run win to advance to the finals of the World Cup for the second consecutive time. The Kiwi pacers rattled the Indian top-order as Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli– all got out for single digits.
Ravindra Jadeja was all class in Manchester
But there was still hope at the Old Trafford till Jadeja was out there in company of veteran batsman MS Dhoni. A 100-plus run stand between the two almost took India home and sent shivers down the spines of the Blackcaps. Jadeja picked a wicket and was involved in a run-out and two catches before hitting a cracking 77 off 59 deliveries.
Jadeja faced a lot of flak from experts during the ongoing tournament but his all-round show proved his mettle once again. He was quick on his feet and rotated the strike at will. Though he didn’t receive much support from the other end, Jadeja kept on going after the bowling, hitting four sixes and as many boundaries.
Internet salutes Jadeja
The netizens were all praise for Jadeja as he single-handedly got India close to a thrilling win. It was too little too late from Dhoni as he hit a maximum and tried pushing for a second run next ball only to see Martin Guptill hit a bulls-eye. It was curtains for the men in blue as Kiwi sensed victory.
Rain played spoilsport yesterday as the game had to resume today after the Kiwi inning was cut short. Though a target of 240 looked mediocre at one point, the New Zealand bowlers made a match out of it. They picked wickets and put pressure on the opposition with dot balls. India needs to do a lot of thinking as apart from Jadeja, no other batter stepped up when it mattered, Jadeja was dismissed by Trent Boult after the batter skied the ball in the air as skipper Kane Williamson got hold of it safe and sound.
Absolute brilliant effort. Feel bad for these two @imjadeja. And @msdhoni. U r once in a life time cricketer n legend of this era. Not our day! Congrats @BLACKCAPS
— Shadab Jakati (@jakati27) July 10, 2019
Well played sir??Best match ever #TeamIndia ♥️❣️❣️♥️ @imjadeja pic.twitter.com/5DYw5YQRcs
— संस्कारी Boy (@sanskariboyz) July 10, 2019
No team would hv fought back from 5 for 3..We did..history always remembers the true fighters.. @imjadeja and @msdhoni we are proud of u both and #TeamIndia ? Personally became a big fan of @ImRo45 and @Jaspritbumrah93 .. Well done captain fearless @imVkohli ????
— Sivakarthikeyan (@Siva_Kartikeyan) July 11, 2019
Ravindra Jadeja in SF v NZ:
As bowler – 1/34 in 10 ovs, most economical Indian bowler
As fielder – 2 catches, 1 direct-hit run out
As batsman – 77 off 59 at No. 8, highest scorer of the match
Irrespective of the result, Jadeja has had the greatest game of his life!#IndvNZ
— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) July 10, 2019
Mood rn ?. A game well fought by the lower order . @imjadeja kudos to your efforts. pic.twitter.com/24mFlKY8jM
— Saika Tariq (@psychabhat) July 10, 2019
Cometh the hour, Cometh the Man!
Well played Jaddu @imjadeja #INDvNZ #WhistleForIndia #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/pqyFI1HSlG
— WhistlePodu Army ® – CSK Fan Club (@CSKFansOfficial) July 10, 2019
That Sir is bits and pieces for you: Fans pay tribute to Ravindra Jadeja for valiant knock https://t.co/YKplSkLu8L pic.twitter.com/zIZdZbDTkP
— SportsGridUK (@Sportsgriduk) July 10, 2019
In history, I read the stories of warring kings,
I saw one Rajput fighting today.
Well played @imjadeja sir.
We will win next time?#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/mGkOx4n8f3— Subharanjan Sharma?? (@SubharanjanSha4) July 10, 2019
You are Strong
You are Hero ??#RavindraJadeja #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/Yz6EGT5rNo— सॅम (@samvverse) July 10, 2019
We would have accepted it as a sportsman spirit but the way u used a winking emoji ?, you lost people’s respect. As if u r happy that @imjadeja couldn’t take the team to the finals. Disgusting. You were never a great player and doesn’t seems to be a good human being too #CWC2019
— Anil Singhvi Zee Business (@AnilSinghvi_) July 10, 2019
Feeling sad for this man @imjadeja you gave hope for us
Well played mate#indiavsNewzealand #CWC19 @BCCI pic.twitter.com/JGi6thDctw— ????? (@LazyySaket) July 10, 2019
G.O.A.T ?? ?? #INDvsNZ
How lucky are we to be indians? @msdhoni @imjadeja
Thanks for making us always feel proud and for always giving your best❤️ we love you team INDIA ?? pic.twitter.com/isyYvr5S6B— Sanchana natarajan (@sanchana_n) July 10, 2019
Feeling heart broken for @BCCI .
Congratulations to @BLACKCAPS . Well done @imjadeja— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 10, 2019
Unbelievable effort to stage a fight back from 90 for 6!! Well done @msdhoni and @imjadeja ?.. #ICCWorldCup2019
— Ashwin ?? (@ashwinravi99) July 10, 2019