During a World Cup semi-final encounter against New Zealand at Old Trafford in 2019, India’s team suffered a terrible defeat that is still fresh in the minds of cricket fans.
India’s top-order batting fell in a low-scoring, rain-affected match, leaving fans in despair. Faced with a modest 240-run total, the top-order batters fell like a pack of cards, with only MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja’s amazing 116-run eighth-wicket stand providing a glimmer of hope. Nonetheless, the Black Caps won by an 18-run margin, claiming a spot in the final.
Sanjay Bangar’s thoughts on 2019 World Cup semi-final loss.
Sanjay Bangar provided light on the emotional aftermath of India’s heart-wrenching 2019 World Cup semi-final loss during the ODI World Cup 2023 encounter between India and New Zealand on Sunday at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium in Dharamsala.
Bangar revealed that the weight of defeat was so crushing that even the toughest players, including the legendary MS Dhoni, burst into tears. This discovery reveals the significant emotional impact that such occasions can have on the athletes.
“It was a heartbreaking moment for all the players as India were playing excellent cricket. We won seven matches in the league phase and to bow out like that was not good. Players cried like kids. MS Dhoni was crying like children. Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant had tears in their eyes. Such stories remain in the dressing room,” Bangar said during the commentary.
India’s reply:
In terms of the game, the Men in Blue demonstrated their superiority with a disciplined bowling effort. The main performer was Mohammed Shami, who picked up a five-wicket haul to restrict New Zealand to 273/10.
India’s response began with a great opening combination of Rohit Sharma (46) and Shubman Gill (26), which created a solid platform of 71 runs. Virat Kohli, on the other hand, shone brightest, leading the team to victory with a match-winning 95 off 104 balls.
India were 191/5 in the 34th over, but Kohli’s heroics ensured victory was still within reach. With two overs to spare, Ravindra Jadeja (39 not out) teamed with Kohli to secure the deal.
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