ICC World Cup 2019: “MS Dhoni is a world class cricketer”: Kane Williamson

India have lost the semi-final of ICC World Cup against Kane Williamson led New Zealand at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester on July 10. The game was originally scheduled to be played on July 9 but due to rain it had to shift to the reserve day. Although India started off really well by restricting the Kiwis within 239, their efforts went in vain as they failed to register a win.

While chasing, India got off to a horrible start where they lost their in-form opener Rohit Sharma for mere 1. It was Matt Henry who provided the first breakthrough. However, captain Virat Kohli also got dismissed by LBW off Trent Boult and then KL Rahul as well. Dinesh Karthik also failed to impress and all left India struggling at 24-4.

Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya tried their best to build a partnership and they added 47 runs. However, it was Ravindra Jadeja along with MS Dhoni wh nearly pulled off the things. Jadeja played a blistering knock of 77 off 59, including four boundaries and as many sixes and added 106-run partnership with MS Dhoni before his dismissal.

However, Dhoni also fell for 50 by a stunning direct throw from Martin Guptill. Both their dismissals ended India’s hope of winning the game and they eventually bowled out for 221. after the win, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson backed the decision of including MS Dhoni in the squad.

He was asked if he had been the captain of India, would he had included MS Dhoni in the squad. He replied with a “yes”, adding, “he’s a world-class player.”

Kane Williamson further added, “experience at this level and in these occasions is so important and his contribution today and yesterday but throughout this campaign was extremely important and that partnership that he was involved in with Jadeja who came in and hit the ball better than anybody in both teams was very, very valuable and he’s a world-class cricketer.”

New Zealand will now play against the winner of the second semi-final between Australia and England at Lord’s on July 14.