India are in a huge spot of bother in the ongoing World Cup 2019 semifinal against New Zealand with their top-ordering enduring a rare off day. The reserve day for the game started with New Zealand beginning the proceedings with the bat. The last World Cup’s semifinalists finished their innings on a challenging 239 for 8 in the allotted 50 overs.

They started the day on 211 for 5 and had to face 23 more balls. But while they tried to go for the big shots, they managed just one boundary and thus collected 28 runs from 23 balls. New Zealand, however, have now taken a firm grip on the game with a stunning display with the ball. New Zealand needed a solid start with the ball and their pacers – Matt Henry and Trent Boult did exactly that.

Matt Henry was the wrecker-in-chief, accounting for the in-form Rohit Sharma in his very first over. Rohit Sharma, who had scored three consecutive tons before this game, was out for just 1 after edging a brilliant delivery from Henry behind the stumps. And even before India could recover from the huge setback, Boult dealt a huge blow to India by dismissing Virat Kohli.

And as if those twin blows were not enough, Henry accounted for KL Rahul to leave India reeling at 5 for 3 in the 4th over. India now need to play out of their skin to beat New Zealand and make it to the final. At the time of writing this report, India landed in further trouble with Dinesh Karthik departing too. India were 24 for 4 after ten overs.

Meanwhile, the cricketing world was quick to react to India’s meltdown against New Zealand. Here are some of the reactions:

 

The winner of the clash will take on the winner of the second semifinal between England and Australia. The final will take place on Sunday at Lord’s.