New Zealand celebrate the final wicket in the semi-final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 against India in Manchester. Photo / Getty
New Zealand celebrate the final wicket in the semi-final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 against India in Manchester. Photo / Getty
New Zealand's 18-run semifinal victory against India was "an historic act of giant-killing" and "one of the finest one-day internationals ever" according to international media.
But, for Virat Kohli and his shell-shocked team, the pitchforks are well and truly out.
According to the Telegraph, the New Zealand bowlers"shocked" India to book a final spot at Lord's - a final "they have a good chance of winning".
Indian captain Virat Kohli reacts after his side were knocked out of the Cricket World Cup by New Zealand. Photo /Getty
"An historic act of giant-killing. One of the finest one-day internationals ever staged, and probably the best ever played over two days," The Telegraph's Scyld Berry wrote.
"New Zealand reached their second consecutive World Cup final by defending a target of only 240 with 18 runs to spare - and if they can do that against India, they have a good chance of winning their first World Cup, whether the other finalists on Sunday are England or Australia. These under-dogs can sink their teeth in and not let go."
Indian media were especially severe in their criticism, with the Hindustan Times lamenting Kohli for his captaincy under the headline Jadeja's heroics in vain as New Zealand beat India to enter World Cup final and the Times of India slamming the team's "45 minutes of bad cricket" in which they lost four wickets early in the run chase.
The lead homepage article of the Indian Express.
While there was plenty of praise for the performance of the Black Caps bowlers...
Best bowling team and also the best fielding unit makes the final !!!! #cwc2019 WoW...what a game .These Kiwis are awesome ..they fight for everything .Congratulations @BLACKCAPS
Congratulations to @BLACKCAPS on making it to the finals. Jadeja played an outstanding innings and got India in the game along with MS Dhoni, yet it was a case of so near yet so far #IndvNZ
Kohli himself had a message for India's fans after the defeat.
Firstly I want to thank all our fans who came in huge numbers to support the team. You made it a memorable tournament for all of us & we definitely felt the love showered upon the team. We are all disappointed & share the same emotions as you. We gave everything we had.Jai hind๐ฎ๐ณ pic.twitter.com/rFwxiUdqK5
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