Indian cricket fans who were already in pain trying to come to terms with their team's shocking World Cup semi-final defeat to New Zealand, were left fuming when ICC posted a video of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-umpiring-error-haunts-india-as-ms-dhoni-lost-his-wicket-on-no-ball-234892">MS Dhoni'</a>s run out with animated graphics and captioned ''Hasta La Vista, Dhoni.''

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Hasta la vista, Dhoni 🎯 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> <a href="https://t.co/TWxbKULjCQ">pic.twitter.com/TWxbKULjCQ</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1149013112605028357?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni played cautiously and tried to save the sinking Indian side after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-failed-to-deliver-when-it-mattered-says-rohit-sharma-after-world-cup-semi-final-loss-235219">top order crumbled</a>.

With 25 runs required off just 10 deliveries, India were always up against it, but when Martin Guptill ran out MS Dhoni with a deadly throw it was all but over.

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Cheap and disgusting video. ICC should focus on things that actually matter, like who the hell scheduled world cup in England in this weather, where rain took the most out of it. Mocking Dhoni &amp; cheering for India’s loss was not expected from an international sports organization.
— Nitin Singh Chauhan (@nitinschauhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/nitinschauhan/status/1149189785203990528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The throw by Guptill sent back MS Dhoni who was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/forty-five-minutes-of-bad-cricket-put-us-out-says-kohli-after-indias-shock-exit-234767">India’s </a>last hope in the World Cup semi-final and India were left 18 runs short of New Zealand's total of 239.

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It's not cricket... 
A great player who feel so bad that he was literally crying after he can't make it to the end &amp; you are making memes on it... 
You better focus on raising standard of umpiring...
— Dheeraj Shukla (@dheerajbs) <a href="https://twitter.com/dheerajbs/status/1149366353863688192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The video didn’t go down well with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/heartbroken-fans-still-proud-of-indian-team-after-world-cup-exit-234904">Indian fans</a> and they took to Twitter to show their dissent on the distasteful tweet by the apex cricketing body.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">— Pun of god (@Punofgod) <a href="https://twitter.com/Punofgod/status/1149019491369725953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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We need an answer <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICC</a> 😑 <a href="https://t.co/neVby2Z3aW">pic.twitter.com/neVby2Z3aW</a>
— 𝕷𝖎𝖓𝖟-𝕮𝕾𝕶𝖎𝖆𝖓♥💛♥ (@Linz0425) <a href="https://twitter.com/Linz0425/status/1149013757051490306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/ICC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICC</a> don't give us repeatedly heartbreak plz. We can't bear it now. I have been crying for more 3-4 hrs....💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔
— sandeep chamoli (@sandeepchamoli9) <a href="https://twitter.com/sandeepchamoli9/status/1149013500141998083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICC</a>, 
 
You are trolling the first captain to won all the ICC trophies &amp; tournaments. 
 
Delete this as soon as possible!
— Durgansh Dixit🎨🇮🇳 (@DurganshDixit) <a href="https://twitter.com/DurganshDixit/status/1149362194338836481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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New Zealand booked their second consecutive spot in the final of the World Cup on July 14 after defeating India.

Indian cricket fans who were already in pain trying to come to terms with their team's shocking World Cup semi-final defeat to New Zealand, were left fuming when ICC posted a video of MS Dhoni's run out with animated graphics and captioned ''Hasta La Vista, Dhoni.

Indian cricket fans who were already in pain trying to come to terms with their team's shocking World Cup semi-final defeat to New Zealand, were left fuming when ICC posted a video of MS Dhoni's run out with animated graphics and captioned ''Hasta La Vista, Dhoni.'' Hasta la vista, Dhoni 🎯 #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/TWxbKULjCQ — ICC (@ICC) July 10, 2019 × Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni played cautiously and tried to save the sinking Indian side after the top order crumbled. With 25 runs required off just 10 deliveries, India were always up against it, but when Martin Guptill ran out MS Dhoni with a deadly throw it was all but over. Cheap and disgusting video. ICC should focus on things that actually matter, like who the hell scheduled world cup in England in this weather, where rain took the most out of it. Mocking Dhoni & cheering for India’s loss was not expected from an international sports organization. — Nitin Singh Chauhan (@nitinschauhan) July 11, 2019 × The throw by Guptill sent back MS Dhoni who was India’s last hope in the World Cup semi-final and India were left 18 runs short of New Zealand's total of 239. It's not cricket... A great player who feel so bad that he was literally crying after he can't make it to the end & you are making memes on it... You better focus on raising standard of umpiring... — Dheeraj Shukla (@dheerajbs) July 11, 2019 × The video didn’t go down well with the Indian fans and they took to Twitter to show their dissent on the distasteful tweet by the apex cricketing body. — Pun of god (@Punofgod) July 10, 2019 × We need an answer @ICC 😑 pic.twitter.com/neVby2Z3aW — 𝕷𝖎𝖓𝖟-𝕮𝕾𝕶𝖎𝖆𝖓♥💛♥ (@Linz0425) July 10, 2019 × @ICC don't give us repeatedly heartbreak plz. We can't bear it now. I have been crying for more 3-4 hrs....💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔 — sandeep chamoli (@sandeepchamoli9) July 10, 2019 × Dear @ICC, You are trolling the first captain to won all the ICC trophies & tournaments. Delete this as soon as possible! — Durgansh Dixit🎨🇮🇳 (@DurganshDixit) July 11, 2019 × New Zealand booked their second consecutive spot in the final of the World Cup on July 14 after defeating India.

Angry Indian fans fume over ICC's 'Hasta la vista' tweet on MS Dhoni

New Zealand's thrilling semi-final victory over Cricket World Cup favourites India ranks as one of their best ever limited-overs performances, former skipper Daniel Vettori has said.

Kane Williamson's side sealed an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/williamson-hails-brilliant-new-zealand-after-world-cup-stunner-234775">18-run victory</a> and advanced to Sunday's title clash at Lord's, where they face Australia or hosts England, with several media outlets calling the shock win the "Miracle in Manchester."

Vettori, who guided New Zealand to the 2011 semi-finals, heaped praise on pace bowlers Trent Boult and Matt Henry after they dismissed India's top three of KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/forty-five-minutes-of-bad-cricket-put-us-out-says-kohli-after-indias-shock-exit-234767">Virat Kohli</a> for one run each.

"To bowl as outstandingly as they did in a high-pressure game makes victory over India one of New Zealand's best ever one-day performances," Vettori wrote in his column for the International Cricket Council.

"Trent Boult and Matt Henry's opening spell was one of the best you'll see, and to dismiss three incredibly talented India batsman to have them five for three takes something special.''

"A semi-final adds so much pressure, so when you're able to deliver under that type of strain -&nbsp;it's something else... they bowled impeccably... and that pressure tells on the batsmen, so they really earned the wickets," Vettori said.

Boult and Henry shared five wickets while spinner Mitchell Santner claimed two in a tight display to snuff out India's hopes.

The victory sent 2015 runners-up <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-stun-india-by-18-runs-to-reach-world-cup-final-234755">New Zealand</a> to their second consecutive World Cup final and Vettori said they would be full of confidence.

"As a New Zealand fan you would be hopeful of them doing it again in the final," Vettori added.

"But whatever happens it's going to be a great occasion, and the Black Caps can go into that game with a lot of confidence behind them," added Vettori.

New Zealand's thrilling semi-final victory over Cricket World Cup favourites India ranks as one of their best ever limited-overs performances, former skipper Daniel Vettori has said.

New Zealand's thrilling semi-final victory over Cricket World Cup favourites India ranks as one of their best ever limited-overs performances, former skipper Daniel Vettori has said. Kane Williamson's side sealed an 18-run victory and advanced to Sunday's title clash at Lord's, where they face Australia or hosts England, with several media outlets calling the shock win the "Miracle in Manchester." Vettori, who guided New Zealand to the 2011 semi-finals, heaped praise on pace bowlers Trent Boult and Matt Henry after they dismissed India's top three of KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and skipper Virat Kohli for one run each. "To bowl as outstandingly as they did in a high-pressure game makes victory over India one of New Zealand's best ever one-day performances," Vettori wrote in his column for the International Cricket Council. "Trent Boult and Matt Henry's opening spell was one of the best you'll see, and to dismiss three incredibly talented India batsman to have them five for three takes something special.'' "A semi-final adds so much pressure, so when you're able to deliver under that type of strain - it's something else... they bowled impeccably... and that pressure tells on the batsmen, so they really earned the wickets," Vettori said. Boult and Henry shared five wickets while spinner Mitchell Santner claimed two in a tight display to snuff out India's hopes. The victory sent 2015 runners-up New Zealand to their second consecutive World Cup final and Vettori said they would be full of confidence. "As a New Zealand fan you would be hopeful of them doing it again in the final," Vettori added. "But whatever happens it's going to be a great occasion, and the Black Caps can go into that game with a lot of confidence behind them," added Vettori.

World Cup: Vettori hopes New Zealand can build on 'best ever' one-day display

From Chris Gayle to Rashid Khan, players who failed to impress at Cricket World Cup 2019

Indian cricket fans were feeling pain rather than anger on Thursday as they tried to come to terms with their team's shocking World Cup semi-final<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-stun-india-by-18-runs-to-reach-world-cup-final-234755"> defeat to New Zealand</a>.

Cricket is like a religion in India, where players can enjoy godlike status when they win but see their effigies burnt and houses pelted with stones when they lose.

While Virat Kohli's men had been favourites to go all the way at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-umpiring-error-haunts-india-as-ms-dhoni-lost-his-wicket-on-no-ball-234892">World Cup</a>, their exit did not spark a furious response for fans back home who had been captivated by their run to the last four as the tournament's top team.

Their efforts lauded on social media, the team were also congratulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said he was proud of the way they played during their run at the World Cup, which also saw them wrest the world No. 1 ranking from England.

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A disappointing result, but good to see <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>’s fighting spirit till the very end. 
 
India batted, bowled, fielded well throughout the tournament, of which we are very proud. 
 
Wins and losses are a part of life. Best wishes to the team for their future endeavours. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsNZ</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1148959096831217665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"A disappointing result, but good to see #TeamIndia's fighting spirit till the very end," Modi tweeted after India's 18-run loss in Manchester. India batted, bowled, fielded well throughout the tournament, of which we are very proud. Wins and losses are a part of life. Best wishes to the team for their future endeavours."

In his post-match news conference, a glum captain Kohli said it was heart-breaking that his team&nbsp;had to exit the showpiece due to some ordinary cricket in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/forty-five-minutes-of-bad-cricket-put-us-out-says-kohli-after-indias-shock-exit-234767">45-minute spell</a>.

That sentiment was mirrored by many back home too.

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Nothing ti say 😭😭<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WC2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WC2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DhoniForever?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DhoniForever</a> <a href="https://t.co/E84MNI0BPN">pic.twitter.com/E84MNI0BPN</a>
— 🇮🇳 Srishti Sinha (@Srish_Tweet_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Srish_Tweet_/status/1149207550505525249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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It matters how you fight and you fought brilliantly throughout the tournament. We are proud of you <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZL</a> <a href="https://t.co/hrKmlwriER">pic.twitter.com/hrKmlwriER</a>
— Sharwanand (@ActorSharwanand) <a href="https://twitter.com/ActorSharwanand/status/1149193574002507776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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No team would hv fought back from 5 for 3..We did..history always remembers the true fighters.. <a href="https://twitter.com/imjadeja?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imjadeja</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> we are proud of u both and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> 👍 Personally became a big fan of <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImRo45</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaspritbumrah93?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jaspritbumrah93</a> .. Well done captain fearless <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> 👏👏👍😊
— Sivakarthikeyan (@Siva_Kartikeyan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Siva_Kartikeyan/status/1149145756684546048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Indian media and fans were also united in their praise for Ravindra Jadeja, whose all-round brilliance in just his second match of the tournament was not enough to lift India to Sunday's final at Lord's.

Indian cricket fans were feeling pain rather than anger on Thursday as they tried to come to terms with their team's shocking World Cup semi-final defeat to New Zealand.

Indian cricket fans were feeling pain rather than anger on Thursday as they tried to come to terms with their team's shocking World Cup semi-final defeat to New Zealand. Cricket is like a religion in India, where players can enjoy godlike status when they win but see their effigies burnt and houses pelted with stones when they lose. While Virat Kohli's men had been favourites to go all the way at the World Cup, their exit did not spark a furious response for fans back home who had been captivated by their run to the last four as the tournament's top team. Their efforts lauded on social media, the team were also congratulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said he was proud of the way they played during their run at the World Cup, which also saw them wrest the world No. 1 ranking from England. A disappointing result, but good to see #TeamIndia’s fighting spirit till the very end. India batted, bowled, fielded well throughout the tournament, of which we are very proud. Wins and losses are a part of life. Best wishes to the team for their future endeavours. #INDvsNZ — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2019 × "A disappointing result, but good to see #TeamIndia's fighting spirit till the very end," Modi tweeted after India's 18-run loss in Manchester. India batted, bowled, fielded well throughout the tournament, of which we are very proud. Wins and losses are a part of life. Best wishes to the team for their future endeavours." In his post-match news conference, a glum captain Kohli said it was heart-breaking that his team had to exit the showpiece due to some ordinary cricket in a 45-minute spell. That sentiment was mirrored by many back home too. Nothing ti say 😭😭#WC2019 #TeamIndia #DhoniForever pic.twitter.com/E84MNI0BPN — 🇮🇳 Srishti Sinha (@Srish_Tweet_) July 11, 2019 × It matters how you fight and you fought brilliantly throughout the tournament. We are proud of you #TeamIndia. #CWC19#INDvNZL pic.twitter.com/hrKmlwriER — Sharwanand (@ActorSharwanand) July 11, 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 × Indian media and fans were also united in their praise for Ravindra Jadeja, whose all-round brilliance in just his second match of the tournament was not enough to lift India to Sunday's final at Lord's.

Heartbroken fans still proud of Virat Kohli led-Indian team after World Cup exit

&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/heres-the-fab-four-cricket-world-cup-2019-234111">Australia's </a>new squad member <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/australias-shaun-marsh-ruled-out-of-world-cup-peter-handscomb-named-replacement-233184&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj94ZTF4anjAhU2_XMBHc0QAjEQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2hx6LRxqlfQb4r5rsIJm68">Peter Handscomb</a> will be thrust into the cauldron of Thursday's World Cup semi-final against England as a replacement for Usman Khawaja, coach Justin Langer has said.

Langer also confirmed that all-rounder Marcus Stoinis had passed a fitness test and was ready for Edgbaston while refusing to guarantee the mercurial Glenn Maxwell a place in the team.

With Matthew Wade in reserve after showing good form for Australia A, Maxwell could be dislodged by the former first-choice wicketkeeper.

"He's played a lot of international cricket before, he's a real seasoned pro, he's had an unbelievable 12 months or so in domestic cricket," Langer said of Wade.

"He's had unbelievable few (games) for Australia A. He's confident, he's a had a little baby so he's pretty happy with life at the moment.''

"With his experience, if he plays, then we're confident he'll do a really good job," Langer said.

Handscomb missed out on a place in the original squad, having to make way as Steve Smith and David Warner were reinstated after their ball-tampering bans expired.

"He deserves it, he was really stiff not to be on this tour," Langer said. "He was so unlucky not to be in the initial squad after what he'd done to help us get to that point.''

"He's in good form, he played well for Australia A, he gives us nice balance through that middle order, he's got great temperament, he plays the spin well and he's on top of his game. So he'll definitely play."

Stoinis, who has battled two side strains, bowled and batted in the nets during training on Tuesday to be given the all-clear but Langer stopped short of saying whether he and fellow all-rounder Maxwell would make the 11 on Thursday.

Maxwell has struggled with the short ball at the tournament and was peppered with bouncers during a net session earlier in the week, getting hit on the forearm by a rising <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-mitchell-starc-five-for-trumps-boult-hat-trick-as-australia-beat-new-zealand-231633&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi59om14anjAhVB63MBHcj_BUAQFjAIegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1O0RK_IToXd6i4p2-pz_nN">Mitchell Starc</a> delivery that left him screaming in pain.

Australian media reported on Tuesday that Langer took the Melbourne man aside for a long chat during training.

The champions, bidding for a sixth World Cup title, suffered a surprise 10-run loss to South Africa in their last round-robin game, a defeat that left them facing a resurgent <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-australia-reach-semis-with-64-run-win-over-arch-rivals-england-230432&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjl94ea4anjAhWh_XMBHeXJCxoQFjAIegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Wpw_0gGwU8UWEsWrsSnDD">England </a>rather than out-of-form New Zealand in Manchester.

Rain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rain-may-play-spoilsport-again-on-reserve-day-at-manchester-in-india-vs-new-zealand-semi-final-1-234530">washed out</a> play in the other semi-final on Tuesday, with India's bowlers restricting 2015 finalists New Zealand to 211 for five in 46.1 overs.

The match is to continue from where it left off later on Wednesday.

Australia's new squad member Peter Handscomb will be thrust into the cauldron of Thursday's World Cup semi-final against England as a replacement for Usman Khawaja, coach Justin Langer has said.

Australia's new squad member Peter Handscomb will be thrust into the cauldron of Thursday's World Cup semi-final against England as a replacement for Usman Khawaja, coach Justin Langer has said. Langer also confirmed that all-rounder Marcus Stoinis had passed a fitness test and was ready for Edgbaston while refusing to guarantee the mercurial Glenn Maxwell a place in the team. With Matthew Wade in reserve after showing good form for Australia A, Maxwell could be dislodged by the former first-choice wicketkeeper. "He's played a lot of international cricket before, he's a real seasoned pro, he's had an unbelievable 12 months or so in domestic cricket," Langer said of Wade. "He's had unbelievable few (games) for Australia A. He's confident, he's a had a little baby so he's pretty happy with life at the moment.'' "With his experience, if he plays, then we're confident he'll do a really good job," Langer said. Handscomb missed out on a place in the original squad, having to make way as Steve Smith and David Warner were reinstated after their ball-tampering bans expired. "He deserves it, he was really stiff not to be on this tour," Langer said. "He was so unlucky not to be in the initial squad after what he'd done to help us get to that point.'' "He's in good form, he played well for Australia A, he gives us nice balance through that middle order, he's got great temperament, he plays the spin well and he's on top of his game. So he'll definitely play." Stoinis, who has battled two side strains, bowled and batted in the nets during training on Tuesday to be given the all-clear but Langer stopped short of saying whether he and fellow all-rounder Maxwell would make the 11 on Thursday. Maxwell has struggled with the short ball at the tournament and was peppered with bouncers during a net session earlier in the week, getting hit on the forearm by a rising Mitchell Starc delivery that left him screaming in pain. Australian media reported on Tuesday that Langer took the Melbourne man aside for a long chat during training. The champions, bidding for a sixth World Cup title, suffered a surprise 10-run loss to South Africa in their last round-robin game, a defeat that left them facing a resurgent England rather than out-of-form New Zealand in Manchester. Rain washed out play in the other semi-final on Tuesday, with India's bowlers restricting 2015 finalists New Zealand to 211 for five in 46.1 overs. The match is to continue from where it left off later on Wednesday.

World Cup: Peter Handscomb, Marcus Stoinis to be in Australia's playing XI for semi-final vs England

The rain gods played spoilsport on Tuesday in the semi-final 1 between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-jasprit-bumrah-has-bowled-most-maiden-overs-in-world-cup-2019-234432">India </a>and New Zealand as the match was halted and the players were off the field at Old Trafford in Manchester in the 47th over of the New Zealand innings.

The rain continued throughout the day and the umpires decided to call off play on Tuesday and take the World Cup 2019 semi-final 1 onto the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-semi-final-new-zealand-2115-against-india-as-rain-stops-play-234446">reserve day</a> (Wednesday, July 10).

New Zealand thus will continue their innings at 211 for 5 in 46.1 overs if there is no further rain delay.

The weather forecast on Wednesday is not too bright either.&nbsp;

It is expected to be cloudy in the morning and the sun may come out when the semi-final resumes on the reserve day at 10:30 AM BST (3 PM IST).&nbsp;

Rain is expected to hit the pitch again at 12 PM BST (5:30 PM IST) and again by 5 PM (9 PM IST).

The chances of rain are very high and Team <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-takes-stunning-catch-to-dismiss-new-zealands-martin-guptill-in-semi-final-234308">India </a>will hope to have a full game instead of a 20-over game to have better chances to win the match.

If there is a shortened game today and New Zealand do not resume their batting, according to the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method (DLS) the targets as per the overs in play would be:

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Overs</td>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Target</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 46</td>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 237</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 40</td>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 223</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 35</td>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 209</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 30</td>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 192</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 25</td>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 172</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 20</td>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 148</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

For the semi-final match to be completed, India are required to bat for at least 20 overs.&nbsp;

If after the reserve day the match is also washed out and does not reach a result, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-semi-final-1st-india-vs-new-zealand-234231">India </a>will progress to the final as they finished higher in the points table to New Zealand in the group stage.

The rain gods played spoilsport on Tuesday in the semi-final 1 between India and New Zealand as the match was halted and the players were off the field at Old Trafford in Manchester in the 47th over of the New Zealand innings.

The rain gods played spoilsport on Tuesday in the semi-final 1 between India and New Zealand as the match was halted and the players were off the field at Old Trafford in Manchester in the 47th over of the New Zealand innings. The rain continued throughout the day and the umpires decided to call off play on Tuesday and take the World Cup 2019 semi-final 1 onto the reserve day (Wednesday, July 10). New Zealand thus will continue their innings at 211 for 5 in 46.1 overs if there is no further rain delay. The weather forecast on Wednesday is not too bright either. It is expected to be cloudy in the morning and the sun may come out when the semi-final resumes on the reserve day at 10:30 AM BST (3 PM IST). Rain is expected to hit the pitch again at 12 PM BST (5:30 PM IST) and again by 5 PM (9 PM IST). The chances of rain are very high and Team India will hope to have a full game instead of a 20-over game to have better chances to win the match. If there is a shortened game today and New Zealand do not resume their batting, according to the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method (DLS) the targets as per the overs in play would be: Overs Target 46 237 40 223 35 209 30 192 25 172 20 148 For the semi-final match to be completed, India are required to bat for at least 20 overs. If after the reserve day the match is also washed out and does not reach a result, India will progress to the final as they finished higher in the points table to New Zealand in the group stage.

World Cup: Rain may play spoilsport again on reserve day at Manchester in India vs New Zealand semi-final 1

England captain Eoin Morgan has urged his side to embrace their World Cup dreams as they prepare for Thursday's blockbuster semi-final against old rivals Australia.

Morgan can lead <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-england-face-acid-test-in-world-cup-semi-final-clash-with-australia-234734">England </a>to their first World Cup final since 1992 if they beat the holders at Edgbaston.

Advancing to Sunday's title match at Lord's would be the culmination of four years' hard work for Morgan and his squad after their dismal performance at the 2015 edition.

On the eve of the crunch clash, Morgan issued a passionate plea for his players to take pride in their achievements so far and to relish their moment in the spotlight rather than be weighed down by pressure.

"Sometimes I'm guilty of it, you can lose sight of the position you're in and the fact you're living your dream," Morgan told reporters on Wednesday.

"I think it's possible to play with a smile on your face tomorrow," he added.

Asked if the World Cup hosts were feeling excited, nervous or simply focused on the task at hand, Morgan added,&nbsp;"All of those things. But I think excitement probably should be the dominant one.''

"Everyone is excited to play this semi-final. The fact that through the group stages getting to this stage looked unlikely, or was called into question, makes it even more exciting for us," he said.

Morgan's side have established a proud recent record against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-peter-handscomb-marcus-stoinis-to-be-in-australias-playing-xi-for-semi-final-vs-england-234549">Australia</a>, winning 10 of the last 11 one-day internationals between the old rivals prior to this tournament.

That counted for nothing in the group stages, when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aussie-blow-as-usman-khawaja-ruled-out-of-world-cup-marcus-stoinis-struggles-233940">Australia </a>claimed a 64-run win at Lord's that left England's hopes of a top-four finish in doubt.

Morgan admits England were not themselves in that match, knocked off course by a tame defeat to Sri Lanka and the absence of injured opener Jason Roy.

Roy is back from his torn hamstring and England looked far more formidable in the wins over India and New Zealand that took them to the semi-finals.

"We're probably more confident than we were three games ago, we're a different team," Morgan said.

"The loss against Sri Lanka hurt us. I don't think we were playing anywhere near our best cricket, there was a hangover from the Sri Lanka game. It feels like we're back to the team we are," said Morgan.

England captain Eoin Morgan has urged his side to embrace their World Cup dreams as they prepare for Thursday's blockbuster semi-final against old rivals Australia.

England captain Eoin Morgan has urged his side to embrace their World Cup dreams as they prepare for Thursday's blockbuster semi-final against old rivals Australia. Morgan can lead England to their first World Cup final since 1992 if they beat the holders at Edgbaston. Advancing to Sunday's title match at Lord's would be the culmination of four years' hard work for Morgan and his squad after their dismal performance at the 2015 edition. On the eve of the crunch clash, Morgan issued a passionate plea for his players to take pride in their achievements so far and to relish their moment in the spotlight rather than be weighed down by pressure. "Sometimes I'm guilty of it, you can lose sight of the position you're in and the fact you're living your dream," Morgan told reporters on Wednesday. "I think it's possible to play with a smile on your face tomorrow," he added. Asked if the World Cup hosts were feeling excited, nervous or simply focused on the task at hand, Morgan added, "All of those things. But I think excitement probably should be the dominant one.'' "Everyone is excited to play this semi-final. The fact that through the group stages getting to this stage looked unlikely, or was called into question, makes it even more exciting for us," he said. Morgan's side have established a proud recent record against Australia, winning 10 of the last 11 one-day internationals between the old rivals prior to this tournament. That counted for nothing in the group stages, when Australia claimed a 64-run win at Lord's that left England's hopes of a top-four finish in doubt. Morgan admits England were not themselves in that match, knocked off course by a tame defeat to Sri Lanka and the absence of injured opener Jason Roy. Roy is back from his torn hamstring and England looked far more formidable in the wins over India and New Zealand that took them to the semi-finals. "We're probably more confident than we were three games ago, we're a different team," Morgan said. "The loss against Sri Lanka hurt us. I don't think we were playing anywhere near our best cricket, there was a hangover from the Sri Lanka game. It feels like we're back to the team we are," said Morgan.

Eoin Morgan urges England to embrace World Cup 'dream' ahead of semi-final vs Australia

Four years of planning will be put on the line for England when they face holders Australia in a blockbuster <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/heres-the-fab-four-cricket-world-cup-2019-234111">Cricket World Cup</a> semi-final at Edgbaston on Thursday.

England's woeful first-round exit at the 2015 edition prompted a complete rethink of their approach to one-day internationals for a side that had long placed Test success above all other considerations.

Australian coach Trevor Bayliss was drafted in with the aim of guiding their bid for a first World Cup title.

The transformation has been impressive, with England climbing to number one in the ODI rankings under the astute captaincy of Eoin Morgan.

Their rise to the summit has been based on dynamic run-scoring, with in-form openers Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow leading the way.

But the stakes for hosts <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-peter-handscomb-marcus-stoinis-to-be-in-australias-playing-xi-for-semi-final-vs-england-234549">England </a>are higher than simply the winning of a match that would see them into a final against either India or New Zealand at Lord's on Sunday.

Satellite subscription host broadcaster Sky has said it will allow the final to be shown on free-to-air television in Britain - but only if England are involved in the showpiece match.

It would be the first time since 2005 that a major England men's home match had emerged from behind a UK television paywall, with cricket having a chance to reconnect with a 'lost' audience in its birthplace.

Australia, however, have never lost any of their seven previous World Cup semi-finals - although they did tie with South Africa at Edgbaston 20 years ago before advancing into the final on superior net run-rate.

They landed a psychological blow in the group stage when they beat Ashes rivals England by 64 runs at Lord's last month.

Australia left-arm quicks Jason Behrendorff and Mitchell Starc shared nine wickets between them in a match where Australia captain Aaron Finch made 100 after surviving a testing opening from England's fast bowlers.

Roy, however, was missing with a torn hamstring and since his return, England have scored crucial wins over India and New Zealand that took them into the semi-finals.

'Different animal' 
 
By contrast <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-players-to-watch-out-for-in-australia-vs-england-semi-final-clash-234590">Australia</a>, who have not won in any format at Edgbaston since the 2001 Ashes Test, suffered a surprise 10-run defeat by South Africa at Old Trafford in their final group game.

England, as well as finding a way to cope with Starc, will have to contain the run-scoring threat of a powerful Australian top order.

David Warner has scored 638 runs this tournament following the left-handed opener's return to international cricket after a 12-month ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

But paceman Liam Plunkett insisted England could rise to the occasion.

"We're a different sort of animal compared to our last teams," he said. "We've played well for the past four years, we're ranked number one.''

"We feel on our day we can beat anyone in the world," Plunkett added.

The five-time world champions will pitch late call-up <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aussie-blow-as-usman-khawaja-ruled-out-of-world-cup-marcus-stoinis-struggles-233940">Peter Handscomb</a> straight into Thursday's match after fellow batsman Usman Khawaja suffered a tournament-ending hamstring injury against South Africa.

Australia coach Justin Langer led his squad on a barefoot walkabout around Edgbaston on Monday before they shared stories on the outfield in a so-called "bonding circle".

"Haydos (Matthew Hayden) and I used to do it as a bit of a ritual before every Test match," former Australia opener Langer explained.

"If you go back 12 months there wasn't much to be relaxed and chilled about in Australian cricket, was there? We went through a major crisis in our cricket. It didn't just affect our cricket, it affected our country,'' Langer said.

"We've got to work hard on being more humble in what we do and being focused on playing good cricket," he added.

But despite the coach's new-age talk, Australia's Nathan Lyon tried to put pressure on England in typically acerbic style.

"It's all on them," the off-spinner said. "It's their World Cup to lose if you ask me," said Lyon.

Four years of planning will be put on the line for England when they face holders Australia in a blockbuster Cricket World Cup semi-final at Edgbaston on Thursday.

Four years of planning will be put on the line for England when they face holders Australia in a blockbuster Cricket World Cup semi-final at Edgbaston on Thursday. England's woeful first-round exit at the 2015 edition prompted a complete rethink of their approach to one-day internationals for a side that had long placed Test success above all other considerations. Australian coach Trevor Bayliss was drafted in with the aim of guiding their bid for a first World Cup title. The transformation has been impressive, with England climbing to number one in the ODI rankings under the astute captaincy of Eoin Morgan. Their rise to the summit has been based on dynamic run-scoring, with in-form openers Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow leading the way. But the stakes for hosts England are higher than simply the winning of a match that would see them into a final against either India or New Zealand at Lord's on Sunday. Satellite subscription host broadcaster Sky has said it will allow the final to be shown on free-to-air television in Britain - but only if England are involved in the showpiece match. It would be the first time since 2005 that a major England men's home match had emerged from behind a UK television paywall, with cricket having a chance to reconnect with a 'lost' audience in its birthplace. Australia, however, have never lost any of their seven previous World Cup semi-finals - although they did tie with South Africa at Edgbaston 20 years ago before advancing into the final on superior net run-rate. They landed a psychological blow in the group stage when they beat Ashes rivals England by 64 runs at Lord's last month. Australia left-arm quicks Jason Behrendorff and Mitchell Starc shared nine wickets between them in a match where Australia captain Aaron Finch made 100 after surviving a testing opening from England's fast bowlers. Roy, however, was missing with a torn hamstring and since his return, England have scored crucial wins over India and New Zealand that took them into the semi-finals. 'Different animal' By contrast Australia, who have not won in any format at Edgbaston since the 2001 Ashes Test, suffered a surprise 10-run defeat by South Africa at Old Trafford in their final group game. England, as well as finding a way to cope with Starc, will have to contain the run-scoring threat of a powerful Australian top order. David Warner has scored 638 runs this tournament following the left-handed opener's return to international cricket after a 12-month ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. But paceman Liam Plunkett insisted England could rise to the occasion. "We're a different sort of animal compared to our last teams," he said. "We've played well for the past four years, we're ranked number one.'' "We feel on our day we can beat anyone in the world," Plunkett added. The five-time world champions will pitch late call-up Peter Handscomb straight into Thursday's match after fellow batsman Usman Khawaja suffered a tournament-ending hamstring injury against South Africa. Australia coach Justin Langer led his squad on a barefoot walkabout around Edgbaston on Monday before they shared stories on the outfield in a so-called "bonding circle". "Haydos (Matthew Hayden) and I used to do it as a bit of a ritual before every Test match," former Australia opener Langer explained. "If you go back 12 months there wasn't much to be relaxed and chilled about in Australian cricket, was there? We went through a major crisis in our cricket. It didn't just affect our cricket, it affected our country,'' Langer said. "We've got to work hard on being more humble in what we do and being focused on playing good cricket," he added. But despite the coach's new-age talk, Australia's Nathan Lyon tried to put pressure on England in typically acerbic style. "It's all on them," the off-spinner said. "It's their World Cup to lose if you ask me," said Lyon.

World Cup: England face acid test in World Cup semi-final clash with Australia

World Cup: Players to watch out for in Australia vs England semi-final clash

Sachin Tendulkar may have unwittingly provided New Zealand with extra motivation to cause a huge upset in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-overcast-clouds-rain-expected-at-manchester-ahead-of-india-vs-new-zealand-semi-final-234185">Tuesday's World Cup semi-final</a> against India when he wished <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-look-back-at-seven-match-winning-knocks-by-mahendra-singh-dhoni-233604">MS Dhoni</a> happy birthday and "all the very best for the next two games".

The implication of the retired batting great's remarks was that India wicketkeeper Dhoni, who turned 38 on Sunday, and his team-mates already have one foot in the July 14 final against England or Australia at Lord's.

India, whose group match against 2015 runners-up New Zealand was washed out, have suffered just one defeat at this World Cup so far, against England, and topped the 10-team group table.

Opener Rohit Sharma became the first batsman to score five centuries in a single World Cup when he made 103 in a seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka on Saturday, while fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been the spearhead of a well-balanced bowling attack.

India captain Virat Kohli said Monday the pressure of being overwhelming favourites was nothing new for a squad who have long shouldered the hopes of a nation of more than a billion.

And he suggested that might give them an edge over the Black Caps at Old Trafford.

"The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-cup-semi-final-india-vs-new-zealand-head-to-head-records-234123">Indian team</a> always carries a lot of expectation and pressure whenever we play," Kohli told reporters.

"We are quite used to that over the years. We are better equipped to react in these situations because we know what these kind of games and our fan base and the expectations bring," added Kohli.

But if New Zealand, who could recall spinner Ish Sodhi to an attack featuring left-arm quick Trent Boult and fit-again fast bowler Lockie Ferguson - can find a way through India's top three, they could expose a long tail.

The Black Caps, who only qualified for the semi-finals in fourth place on the basis of net run-rate, have lost their last three games - against Pakistan, holders Australia and England.

They now have the additional incentive of proving to Tendulkar that his prediction of an India appearance in the final was premature.

Watch : Indian skipper Virat Kohli's press conference ahead of New Zealand clash

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Equal opportunity

"We definitely deserve to be here," New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said at his pre-match press conference.

"Although we've qualified fourth we've got as equal an opportunity as anybody else."

Batting first has become an increasingly successful tactic at the World Cup in general and at Old Trafford in particular. In all five previous games on the ground, the team batting first has won.&nbsp;

But <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/heres-the-fab-four-cricket-world-cup-2019-234111">Kohli </a>said,&nbsp;"It comes back to the same point -&nbsp;handling pressure. You make two bad decisions when you are chasing and the game goes too far away from you to pull it back.''

"We are not worried about the toss. You have to be prepared both ways. We can't say if we lose the toss we have no hope. We should believe enough in ourself as a side to overcome any situation."

Williamson has been in fine form, making match-winning hundreds against South Africa and the West Indies.

But his 481 tournament runs represent nearly 29 percent of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-know-what-will-happen-if-india-vs-new-zealand-match-gets-abandoned-234101">New Zealand</a>'s total.

"Kane has stood up brilliantly for us," said Black Caps coach Gary Stead. "I don't think we'll be doing anything drastic, we just know we have to be better in that area than what we have been so far."

India may have the look of cricket thoroughbreds but Ferguson said of New Zealand,&nbsp;"As a team we definitely want to be the scrappers, guys that scrap for wins and not always do we win pretty."

Sachin Tendulkar may have unwittingly provided New Zealand with extra motivation to cause a huge upset in Tuesday's World Cup semi-final against India when he wished MS Dhoni happy birthday and "all the very best for the next two games".

Sachin Tendulkar may have unwittingly provided New Zealand with extra motivation to cause a huge upset in Tuesday's World Cup semi-final against India when he wished MS Dhoni happy birthday and "all the very best for the next two games". The implication of the retired batting great's remarks was that India wicketkeeper Dhoni, who turned 38 on Sunday, and his team-mates already have one foot in the July 14 final against England or Australia at Lord's. India, whose group match against 2015 runners-up New Zealand was washed out, have suffered just one defeat at this World Cup so far, against England, and topped the 10-team group table. Opener Rohit Sharma became the first batsman to score five centuries in a single World Cup when he made 103 in a seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka on Saturday, while fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been the spearhead of a well-balanced bowling attack. India captain Virat Kohli said Monday the pressure of being overwhelming favourites was nothing new for a squad who have long shouldered the hopes of a nation of more than a billion. And he suggested that might give them an edge over the Black Caps at Old Trafford. "The Indian team always carries a lot of expectation and pressure whenever we play," Kohli told reporters. "We are quite used to that over the years. We are better equipped to react in these situations because we know what these kind of games and our fan base and the expectations bring," added Kohli. But if New Zealand, who could recall spinner Ish Sodhi to an attack featuring left-arm quick Trent Boult and fit-again fast bowler Lockie Ferguson - can find a way through India's top three, they could expose a long tail. The Black Caps, who only qualified for the semi-finals in fourth place on the basis of net run-rate, have lost their last three games - against Pakistan, holders Australia and England. They now have the additional incentive of proving to Tendulkar that his prediction of an India appearance in the final was premature. Watch : Indian skipper Virat Kohli's press conference ahead of New Zealand clash × Equal opportunity "We definitely deserve to be here," New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said at his pre-match press conference. "Although we've qualified fourth we've got as equal an opportunity as anybody else." Batting first has become an increasingly successful tactic at the World Cup in general and at Old Trafford in particular. In all five previous games on the ground, the team batting first has won. But Kohli said, "It comes back to the same point - handling pressure. You make two bad decisions when you are chasing and the game goes too far away from you to pull it back.'' "We are not worried about the toss. You have to be prepared both ways. We can't say if we lose the toss we have no hope. We should believe enough in ourself as a side to overcome any situation." Williamson has been in fine form, making match-winning hundreds against South Africa and the West Indies. But his 481 tournament runs represent nearly 29 percent of New Zealand's total. "Kane has stood up brilliantly for us," said Black Caps coach Gary Stead. "I don't think we'll be doing anything drastic, we just know we have to be better in that area than what we have been so far." India may have the look of cricket thoroughbreds but Ferguson said of New Zealand, "As a team we definitely want to be the scrappers, guys that scrap for wins and not always do we win pretty."

'We deserve to be here,' says New Zealand captain Kane Williamson ahead of clash against India

Two-time champions India and 2015 runners-up New Zealand will leave no stone unturned when they will battle for final World Cup berth at Manchester's Old Trafford cricket stadium.&nbsp;

However, the rain gods might have something else planned for today's game.

Light showers are expected in the morning, which will lead to overcast conditions in the late morning at Old Trafford.&nbsp;

Fast bowlers will love the cloud cover over the Old Trafford pitch, if Indian captain Virat Kohli wins the toss he would want to make use of his pace attack spearheaded by Bumrah &amp; Co although Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed had chosen to ball first at the same venue after winning the toss against India and lost, so it will be a tough call for anybody calling the toss.

The rain is expected to affect the crucial first hour of the match, according to the weather report.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-know-what-will-happen-if-india-vs-new-zealand-match-gets-abandoned-234101">Know what will happen if India vs New Zealand match gets abandoned</a>

Showers are expected at 11 am BST (3:30 pm IST) and after clearing up in an hour again it is set to hit by 6 pm BST (10:30 pm IST) in the last stages of the game.

The maximum temperature in Manchester is expected to be around 20 degrees.

Cloud cover is expected throughout the day and selection of the playing XI will depend on the conditions of the pitch.

India's league-stage match against New Zealand in Nottingham was washed out due to rain.

In case of another washout today, the reserve day will come into play and the two teams will play the semi-final on Wednesday.

Watch: Virat's pre-match press conference

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If Wednesday's game is also washed out, then India, with more points in the group stages than New Zealand, will progress to play the final.

Two-time champions India and 2015 runners-up New Zealand will leave no stone unturned when they will battle for final World Cup berth at Manchester's Old Trafford cricket stadium.

Two-time champions India and 2015 runners-up New Zealand will leave no stone unturned when they will battle for final World Cup berth at Manchester's Old Trafford cricket stadium. However, the rain gods might have something else planned for today's game. Light showers are expected in the morning, which will lead to overcast conditions in the late morning at Old Trafford. Fast bowlers will love the cloud cover over the Old Trafford pitch, if Indian captain Virat Kohli wins the toss he would want to make use of his pace attack spearheaded by Bumrah & Co although Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed had chosen to ball first at the same venue after winning the toss against India and lost, so it will be a tough call for anybody calling the toss. The rain is expected to affect the crucial first hour of the match, according to the weather report. Also Read: Know what will happen if India vs New Zealand match gets abandoned Showers are expected at 11 am BST (3:30 pm IST) and after clearing up in an hour again it is set to hit by 6 pm BST (10:30 pm IST) in the last stages of the game. The maximum temperature in Manchester is expected to be around 20 degrees. Cloud cover is expected throughout the day and selection of the playing XI will depend on the conditions of the pitch. India's league-stage match against New Zealand in Nottingham was washed out due to rain. In case of another washout today, the reserve day will come into play and the two teams will play the semi-final on Wednesday. Watch: Virat's pre-match press conference × If Wednesday's game is also washed out, then India, with more points in the group stages than New Zealand, will progress to play the final.

World Cup: Overcast clouds, rain expected at Manchester ahead of India vs New Zealand semi-final

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah achieved another feat in the ongoing&nbsp;ICC World Cup 2019.

The 25-year-old has now bowled the most number of maiden overs in the tournament.&nbsp;

Bumrah took his tally of maiden overs to nine after no run was scored in his first over against New Zealand in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-semi-final-1st-india-vs-new-zealand-234231">semi-final</a> on Tuesday.

Bumrah along with the other Indian bowlers kept the Kiwi batsmen on the backfoot, not allowing them to score runs freely.&nbsp;

He brought the first breakthrough in the match for the Indian side when he <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-takes-stunning-catch-to-dismiss-new-zealands-martin-guptill-in-semi-final-234308">dismissed Martin Guptill</a> for one run in his second over.

The ball got a thick outside edge and Virat Kohli, fielding at second slip grabbed it diving to his left.&nbsp;This was Guptill's fifth single-digit score in this year's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-old-trafford-becomes-no-fly-zone-for-india-vs-new-zealand-semi-final-clash-234279">World Cup</a>.

In the list of bowlers with most maiden overs, Bumrah is followed by England pacer Jofra Archer, who has bowled eight maidens so far.

Archer will have the chance to match Bumrah in the second semi-final of the World Cup 2019 when England take on Australia at Birmingham on July 11.

Recently, Bumrah has extended his lead at the top&nbsp;in the latest ICC ODI rankings from 21 points to 56 points after grabbing 17 wickets in the nine league matches at the World Cup.&nbsp;

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah achieved another feat in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019. The 25-year-old has now bowled the most number of maiden overs in the tournament.

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah achieved another feat in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019. The 25-year-old has now bowled the most number of maiden overs in the tournament. Bumrah took his tally of maiden overs to nine after no run was scored in his first over against New Zealand in the semi-final on Tuesday. Bumrah along with the other Indian bowlers kept the Kiwi batsmen on the backfoot, not allowing them to score runs freely. He brought the first breakthrough in the match for the Indian side when he dismissed Martin Guptill for one run in his second over. The ball got a thick outside edge and Virat Kohli, fielding at second slip grabbed it diving to his left. This was Guptill's fifth single-digit score in this year's World Cup. In the list of bowlers with most maiden overs, Bumrah is followed by England pacer Jofra Archer, who has bowled eight maidens so far. Archer will have the chance to match Bumrah in the second semi-final of the World Cup 2019 when England take on Australia at Birmingham on July 11. Recently, Bumrah has extended his lead at the top in the latest ICC ODI rankings from 21 points to 56 points after grabbing 17 wickets in the nine league matches at the World Cup.

India's Jasprit Bumrah has bowled most maiden overs in World Cup 2019

Former England spinner Monty Panesar believes the calmness behind India captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-takes-stunning-catch-to-dismiss-new-zealands-martin-guptill-in-semi-final-234308">Virat Kohli</a> is veteran wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni.

"Virat Kohli is able to express himself as a captain but the calmness behind that is MS Dhoni," Panesar told ANI on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/you-will-always-be-my-captain-virat-kohli-shares-emotional-message-for-ms-dhoni-233808">Dhoni </a>celebrated his 38th birthday on Sunday. The ongoing World Cup is being called as the veteran's last One-Day International (ODI) tournament.

Reflecting on the same, Panesar said Dhoni would be aiming to lift the World Cup and have a final farewell.

"This is probably Dhoni's dream because this could be his last one-day he plays and retires with winning the World Cup.

I am sure he probably in the background wants to win the World Cup, have his final farewell," he said.

When asked what does he think about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-coach-ravi-shastri-backs-team-india-ahead-of-clash-vs-new-zealand-234242">India's bowling attack</a>, the former England spinner said Indian bowling unit has been doing well in the last couple of years.

Panesar also lauded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-jasprit-bumrah-is-basically-unplayable-says-daniel-vettori-ahead-of-semi-final-clash-233994">Jasprit Bumrah</a> and Mohammad Shami.

"India's seam attackers (have) definitely done very well in the last couple of years. They have got the number one bowler in the world Jasprit Bumrah. And Mohammad Shami is in great form with his hat-trick," he said.

Talking about India's performance in the ongoing World Cup so far, Panesar said the Men in Blue are performing well and playing brilliant cricket.

He further said that India can adapt to the situation very easily.

"India have been performing very well. They played brilliant cricket (against Australia at the Oval). When they played Pakistan at Old Trafford, they batted first and posted a huge total. India are very adaptable at the moment. They are able to chase," he added.

Table-toppers India's first semi-final of the World Cup against New Zealand at Old Trafford is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-semi-final-1st-india-vs-new-zealand-234231">currently underway</a>.

New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first.

Former England spinner Monty Panesar believes the calmness behind India captain Virat Kohli is veteran wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni. "Virat Kohli is able to express himself as a captain but the calmness behind that is MS Dhoni," Panesar told ANI on Tuesday.

Former England spinner Monty Panesar believes the calmness behind India captain Virat Kohli is veteran wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni. "Virat Kohli is able to express himself as a captain but the calmness behind that is MS Dhoni," Panesar told ANI on Tuesday. Dhoni celebrated his 38th birthday on Sunday. The ongoing World Cup is being called as the veteran's last One-Day International (ODI) tournament. Reflecting on the same, Panesar said Dhoni would be aiming to lift the World Cup and have a final farewell. "This is probably Dhoni's dream because this could be his last one-day he plays and retires with winning the World Cup. I am sure he probably in the background wants to win the World Cup, have his final farewell," he said. When asked what does he think about India's bowling attack, the former England spinner said Indian bowling unit has been doing well in the last couple of years. Panesar also lauded Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami. "India's seam attackers (have) definitely done very well in the last couple of years. They have got the number one bowler in the world Jasprit Bumrah. And Mohammad Shami is in great form with his hat-trick," he said. Talking about India's performance in the ongoing World Cup so far, Panesar said the Men in Blue are performing well and playing brilliant cricket. He further said that India can adapt to the situation very easily. "India have been performing very well. They played brilliant cricket (against Australia at the Oval). When they played Pakistan at Old Trafford, they batted first and posted a huge total. India are very adaptable at the moment. They are able to chase," he added. Table-toppers India's first semi-final of the World Cup against New Zealand at Old Trafford is currently underway. New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first.

World Cup: Dhoni's calmness behind Kohli's storm, says Monty Panesar

Indian skipper Virat Kohli grabbed a stunner to dismiss New Zealand opener Martin Guptill in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-old-trafford-becomes-no-fly-zone-for-india-vs-new-zealand-semi-final-clash-234279">first semi-final</a> of the ICC World Cup 2019.&nbsp;

Martin Guptill scored just one run off 14 balls before losing his wicket to Indian paceman Jasprit Bumrah.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-jasprit-bumrah-is-basically-unplayable-says-daniel-vettori-ahead-of-semi-final-clash-233994">Bumrah</a>'s second over, Guptill tried to defend a length ball but Kohli, standing at the second slip, took a brilliant catch.&nbsp;

The ball got a thick outside edge and Kohli grabbed it diving to his left.&nbsp;This was Guptill's fifth single-digit score in this year's World Cup.

In the match,&nbsp;The 2015 finalists made a change, bringing in a fit-again Lockie Ferguson, their leading wicket-taker in the tournament, and leaving out fellow quick bowler Tim Southee.

Twice champions India also made a change to the side that beat Sri Lanka in their final group match, bringing in Yuzvendra Chahal in place of fellow wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

India and New Zealand are playing each other for the first time in this year's tournament after the group match between the sides in Nottingham was washed out.

Tuesday's game is a repeat of the semi-final of the 2008 Under-19 World Cup in which a Kohli-led India defeated a Williamson-captained New Zealand in Kuala Lumpur.

Watch the video:&nbsp;

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Yessss we got a first wicket in just a 3 overs against NZ 🇳🇿 . brilliant bowling by <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaspritbumrah93?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jaspritbumrah93</a> 🇮🇳👌🏻👌🏻😌 and wonderful catch by king <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> 🇮🇳👌🏻 <a href="https://t.co/7Lqm4r0KVV">pic.twitter.com/7Lqm4r0KVV</a>
— Pranab Teja (@PranabTeja) <a href="https://twitter.com/PranabTeja/status/1148532874301202432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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What a catch by <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVKohli</a> !! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsNZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup19</a> <a href="https://t.co/jwekiT4dcG">pic.twitter.com/jwekiT4dcG</a>
— Shrey Tyagi (@iamshreytyagi) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamshreytyagi/status/1148531005008932866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Get <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-semi-final-1st-india-vs-new-zealand-234231">live updates</a>&nbsp;of India vs New Zealand semi-final clash&nbsp;here.&nbsp;

Playing XI:

New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham(w), James Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Trent Boult

India: Lokesh Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli(c), Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni(w), Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah

Indian skipper Virat Kohli grabbed a stunner to dismiss New Zealand opener Martin Guptill in the first semi-final of the ICC World Cup 2019. Martin Guptill scored just one run off 14 balls before losing his wicket to Indian paceman Jasprit Bumrah.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli grabbed a stunner to dismiss New Zealand opener Martin Guptill in the first semi-final of the ICC World Cup 2019. Martin Guptill scored just one run off 14 balls before losing his wicket to Indian paceman Jasprit Bumrah. During Bumrah's second over, Guptill tried to defend a length ball but Kohli, standing at the second slip, took a brilliant catch. The ball got a thick outside edge and Kohli grabbed it diving to his left. This was Guptill's fifth single-digit score in this year's World Cup. In the match, The 2015 finalists made a change, bringing in a fit-again Lockie Ferguson, their leading wicket-taker in the tournament, and leaving out fellow quick bowler Tim Southee. Twice champions India also made a change to the side that beat Sri Lanka in their final group match, bringing in Yuzvendra Chahal in place of fellow wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. India and New Zealand are playing each other for the first time in this year's tournament after the group match between the sides in Nottingham was washed out. Tuesday's game is a repeat of the semi-final of the 2008 Under-19 World Cup in which a Kohli-led India defeated a Williamson-captained New Zealand in Kuala Lumpur. Watch the video: Yessss we got a first wicket in just a 3 overs against NZ 🇳🇿 . brilliant bowling by @Jaspritbumrah93 🇮🇳👌🏻👌🏻😌 and wonderful catch by king @imVkohli 🇮🇳👌🏻 pic.twitter.com/7Lqm4r0KVV — Pranab Teja (@PranabTeja) July 9, 2019 × What a catch by @imVKohli !! #CWC19 #INDvsNZ #NZvIND #WorldCup19 pic.twitter.com/jwekiT4dcG — Shrey Tyagi (@iamshreytyagi) July 9, 2019 × Get live updates of India vs New Zealand semi-final clash here. Playing XI: New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham(w), James Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Trent Boult India: Lokesh Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli(c), Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni(w), Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah

Watch: Virat Kohli takes stunning catch to dismiss New Zealand's Martin Guptill in semi-final

Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday sent good wishes to the Indian cricket team, ahead of their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-coach-ravi-shastri-backs-team-india-ahead-of-clash-vs-new-zealand-234242">semi-final clash</a> against New Zealand in the ongoing ICC Mes Cricket World Cup.

"I have sent my good wishes to the Indian cricket team and I am hopeful they will perform well," Rijiju told ANI.

India have won the World Cup twice (1983 and 2011) whereas New Zealand are yet to lift the trophy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-semi-final-1st-india-vs-new-zealand-234231">The Men in Blue</a> finished the group stage at the top of the standings with 15 points, whereas New Zealand finished fourth with 11 from nine matches each.

India would enter the semi-finals with winning momentum behind their back as they won their last two matches.

On the other hand, the Kiwi side have lost their last two matches and they would look to change their fortunes around.India will take on New Zealand in the semi-final match later in the day.

Following are the squads:

India:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-decision-making-will-be-crucial-says-virat-kohli-ahead-of-semis-234029">Virat Kohli</a> (c), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, MS Dhoni (wk), KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami&nbsp;

New Zealand:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-expects-as-new-zealand-bid-for-world-cup-semi-final-upset-234174">Kane Williamson</a> (c), Ross Taylor, Martin Guptill, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wk), Colin Munro, James Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee.

Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday sent good wishes to the Indian cricket team, ahead of their semi-final clash against New Zealand in the ongoing ICC Mes Cricket World Cup.

Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday sent good wishes to the Indian cricket team, ahead of their semi-final clash against New Zealand in the ongoing ICC Mes Cricket World Cup. "I have sent my good wishes to the Indian cricket team and I am hopeful they will perform well," Rijiju told ANI. India have won the World Cup twice (1983 and 2011) whereas New Zealand are yet to lift the trophy. The Men in Blue finished the group stage at the top of the standings with 15 points, whereas New Zealand finished fourth with 11 from nine matches each. India would enter the semi-finals with winning momentum behind their back as they won their last two matches. On the other hand, the Kiwi side have lost their last two matches and they would look to change their fortunes around.India will take on New Zealand in the semi-final match later in the day. Following are the squads: India: Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, MS Dhoni (wk), KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Martin Guptill, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wk), Colin Munro, James Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee.

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju sends good wishes to team India ahead of semi-final vs New Zealand

India head coach, Ravi Shastri, lauded team India's performance ahead of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-semi-final-1st-india-vs-new-zealand-234231"> India-New Zealand semi-final</a> match on Tuesday in the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

In a video posted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Twitter, Shastri praised Indian players for their brilliant performance in the tournament.

Shastri hailed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-rohit-sharma-is-the-best-odi-player-says-virat-kohli-234035">Rohit Sharma</a> and said that he is one of the greatest ODI players. The 32-year-old Indian batsman has been in great form in the World Cup so far scoring 647 runs from eight innings. Sharma is the only batsman who has scored five centuries in the ongoing tournament.

He has broken Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara's record for scoring the most centuries in a single edition of the World Cup. Sharma has been providing a steady start to the Indian innings and he has the ability to accelerate when required.

"He is one of the greatest ODI players, whether he has scored runs in the competition or not. Just seeing his records over the year, three double hundreds in ODI, no one has done that and he is been really consistent for India," Shastri said.

Shastri further praised India bowlers for their spirited performance in the World Cup so far.

He complimented Mohammad Shami's bowling spell against Afghanistan where he clinched a hat-trick.

"Chahal has got a great temperament as he attacks the batsmen and looks for a wicket, that was the need of the hour. The team that improved like hell, Afghanistan. The match went down to the wire and you needed something special and Shami delivered for us," he said.

Speaking about the need to have good bowlers, he said,&nbsp;"In this format of the game, we got to have good death bowlers who can take wickets and restrict the opponent, and in Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar we got two good ones," he added.

Shastri hailed all-rounder <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-amazing-to-have-a-cricketer-like-hardik-pandya-says-virat-kohli-233666&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiF4av1tKfjAhW0mOYKHeU4BqIQFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1q7Q01Mc6NVhrzrStvptg-">Hardik Pandya</a> and said he is one who can bat and can also deliver 10 overs when required.

"He has come along as a bowler, we are getting full 10 overs out of him. He reads the condition well, knows where to use the off-cutters and the slow bouncers. So, his reading of the game is good which is a massive help for the side when you have the batsman as flamboyant as him who can also bowl," Shashtri said.

Shastri concluded and said our job is to get out and perform as an individual and as a team.

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"I thought god was in England's dressing room that day. Hope if we play England next, he sits in ours."<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> coach Ravi Shastri talks through each of India's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> matches before the crunch semi-final clash against New Zealand. <a href="https://t.co/I1HCDzfpPo">pic.twitter.com/I1HCDzfpPo</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1148426548460040198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I thought god was in England's dressing room that day. Hope if we play England next, he sits in ours. Nothing else to worry about. Our job is to get out there and do our job, as an individual and as a team," he said.

India will take on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-overcast-clouds-rain-expected-at-manchester-ahead-of-india-vs-new-zealand-semi-final-234185">New Zealand</a> in the semi-final match later in the day.

India head coach, Ravi Shastri, lauded team India's performance ahead of the India-New Zealand semi-final match on Tuesday in the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

India head coach, Ravi Shastri, lauded team India's performance ahead of the India-New Zealand semi-final match on Tuesday in the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. In a video posted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Twitter, Shastri praised Indian players for their brilliant performance in the tournament. Shastri hailed Rohit Sharma and said that he is one of the greatest ODI players. The 32-year-old Indian batsman has been in great form in the World Cup so far scoring 647 runs from eight innings. Sharma is the only batsman who has scored five centuries in the ongoing tournament. He has broken Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara's record for scoring the most centuries in a single edition of the World Cup. Sharma has been providing a steady start to the Indian innings and he has the ability to accelerate when required. "He is one of the greatest ODI players, whether he has scored runs in the competition or not. Just seeing his records over the year, three double hundreds in ODI, no one has done that and he is been really consistent for India," Shastri said. Shastri further praised India bowlers for their spirited performance in the World Cup so far. He complimented Mohammad Shami's bowling spell against Afghanistan where he clinched a hat-trick. "Chahal has got a great temperament as he attacks the batsmen and looks for a wicket, that was the need of the hour. The team that improved like hell, Afghanistan. The match went down to the wire and you needed something special and Shami delivered for us," he said. Speaking about the need to have good bowlers, he said, "In this format of the game, we got to have good death bowlers who can take wickets and restrict the opponent, and in Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar we got two good ones," he added. Shastri hailed all-rounder Hardik Pandya and said he is one who can bat and can also deliver 10 overs when required. "He has come along as a bowler, we are getting full 10 overs out of him. He reads the condition well, knows where to use the off-cutters and the slow bouncers. So, his reading of the game is good which is a massive help for the side when you have the batsman as flamboyant as him who can also bowl," Shashtri said. Shastri concluded and said our job is to get out and perform as an individual and as a team. "I thought god was in England's dressing room that day. Hope if we play England next, he sits in ours."#TeamIndia coach Ravi Shastri talks through each of India's #CWC19 matches before the crunch semi-final clash against New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/I1HCDzfpPo — ICC (@ICC) July 9, 2019 × "I thought god was in England's dressing room that day. Hope if we play England next, he sits in ours. Nothing else to worry about. Our job is to get out there and do our job, as an individual and as a team," he said. India will take on New Zealand in the semi-final match later in the day.

World Cup: Coach Ravi Shastri backs team India ahead of clash vs New Zealand

Ahead of India's important semifinal clash against New Zealand on July 9, Virat Kohli in a press conference jokingly said that the team would never lack a bowler as he could always bowl and be quite lethal at it.Watch full video to know more.

Virat Kohli addresses media ahead of ICC World Cup 2019 India vs New Zealand Semifinal

Indian wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni will celebrate his 38th birthday on July 7.

The apex cricketing body, International Cricket Council (ICC) on Saturday eulogised the player, calling him a person who changed the face of Indian cricket.

Dhoni has won all major cricketing accolades that one can achieve during their playing stint.

He is the only international captain to have won ICC 50-over World Cup, T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy. He even led India to the number one ranking in both Test and ODI formats.

He walked away with the Indian Premier League (IPL) title thrice with Chennai.

"A name that changed the face of Indian cricket, A name inspiring millions across the globe, A name with an undeniable legacy, MS Dhoni - not just a name! #CWC19 | #TeamIndia," ICC tweeted with a video.

In the clip, Indian skipper Virat Kohli and bowler Jasprit Bumrah are seen recalling how <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/journey-from-ms-dhoni-to-captain-cool-161&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjkvrmqi6DjAhUE63MBHWoIBewQFjACegQIEBAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw2SLlqaxgX--J40CzAww2s3">Dhoni </a>has influenced their cricketing skills.

"What you see from the outside is very different from how things happen within a person. He's always calm and composed, there's so much to learn from him. He was my captain and he will always be my captain. Our understanding has always been brilliant. I am always up for listening to his advice," Kohli said.

"When I came to the team in 2016, he was the captain. He's a calming influence on the team and he's always there to help," Bumrah said.

As the video begins, England wicket-keeper batsman Jos Buttler calls <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/even-ms-dhoni-makes-mistakes-kuldeep-yadav-teases-msd-for-his-rare-errors-218685&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjkvrmqi6DjAhUE63MBHWoIBewQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Ts7_-YMyLQJAKHNw6CP0V">Dhoni </a>Mr Cool and says the cricketer has been his idol.

"Obviously a fellow wicket-keeper, he has been my idol growing up. Mr Cool, I love his persona on the field, he has got lightning-fast hands behind the stumps, he looks very calm when he bats. He is a huge ambassador for the game and I am a huge MS Dhoni fan, Jos Buttler says in the video.

England`s all-rounder Ben Stokes heaped praise on Dhoni and said no one will ever be as good as him. Stokes had played alongside Dhoni for the Indian Premier League franchise Pune.

"One of the greats of the game, phenomenal wicket-keeper. I don't think anyone will be as good as him," Ben Stokes said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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🔹 A name that changed the face of Indian cricket 
🔹 A name inspiring millions across the globe 
🔹 A name with an undeniable legacy 
 
MS Dhoni – not just a name! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/cDbBk5ZHkN">pic.twitter.com/cDbBk5ZHkN</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1147369582392295424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Considered as India's best finisher, Dhoni has been facing severe criticism for his baffling batting approach against England in the World Cup match on June 30.

The player was not able to strike big blows in the match against Bangladesh as well.

So far, Dhoni has 223 runs in the tournament and is hoped to spring a good performance with the bat <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-44-sri-lanka-vs-india-233528">against Sri Lanka</a>.

Indian wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni will celebrate his 38th birthday on July 7. The apex cricketing body, International Cricket Council (ICC) on Saturday eulogised the player, calling him a person who changed the face of Indian cricket.

Indian wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni will celebrate his 38th birthday on July 7. The apex cricketing body, International Cricket Council (ICC) on Saturday eulogised the player, calling him a person who changed the face of Indian cricket. Dhoni has won all major cricketing accolades that one can achieve during their playing stint. He is the only international captain to have won ICC 50-over World Cup, T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy. He even led India to the number one ranking in both Test and ODI formats. He walked away with the Indian Premier League (IPL) title thrice with Chennai. "A name that changed the face of Indian cricket, A name inspiring millions across the globe, A name with an undeniable legacy, MS Dhoni - not just a name! #CWC19 | #TeamIndia," ICC tweeted with a video. In the clip, Indian skipper Virat Kohli and bowler Jasprit Bumrah are seen recalling how Dhoni has influenced their cricketing skills. "What you see from the outside is very different from how things happen within a person. He's always calm and composed, there's so much to learn from him. He was my captain and he will always be my captain. Our understanding has always been brilliant. I am always up for listening to his advice," Kohli said. "When I came to the team in 2016, he was the captain. He's a calming influence on the team and he's always there to help," Bumrah said. As the video begins, England wicket-keeper batsman Jos Buttler calls Dhoni Mr Cool and says the cricketer has been his idol. "Obviously a fellow wicket-keeper, he has been my idol growing up. Mr Cool, I love his persona on the field, he has got lightning-fast hands behind the stumps, he looks very calm when he bats. He is a huge ambassador for the game and I am a huge MS Dhoni fan, Jos Buttler says in the video. England`s all-rounder Ben Stokes heaped praise on Dhoni and said no one will ever be as good as him. Stokes had played alongside Dhoni for the Indian Premier League franchise Pune. "One of the greats of the game, phenomenal wicket-keeper. I don't think anyone will be as good as him," Ben Stokes said. 🔹 A name that changed the face of Indian cricket 🔹 A name inspiring millions across the globe 🔹 A name with an undeniable legacy MS Dhoni – not just a name! #CWC19 | #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/cDbBk5ZHkN — ICC (@ICC) July 6, 2019 × Considered as India's best finisher, Dhoni has been facing severe criticism for his baffling batting approach against England in the World Cup match on June 30. The player was not able to strike big blows in the match against Bangladesh as well. So far, Dhoni has 223 runs in the tournament and is hoped to spring a good performance with the bat against Sri Lanka.

ICC tweets on MS Dhoni, calls him 'name that changed face of Indian cricket'

South Africa spinner <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/close-all-exit-doors-imran-tahirs-unique-celebration-allows-meme-experts-to-show-creativity-229778&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiyqdmBjaDjAhUf73MBHTF-CgIQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2FAt93A48UzZlv8YY39RH5">Imran Tahir</a> will be wearing the Proteas ODI jersey for the last time when the team steps on the field to play against Australia in their last match of the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup on Saturday.

After the match against Australia, he will retire from the ODI cricket.

The 40-year-old made his ODI debut in the year 2011 World Cup against West Indies in Delhi and he went on to scalp four wickets.

In his eight-year-long ODI career, the leg-spinner has featured in 106 ODIs for Proteas and has bagged 172 wickets.

His career-best figures till now are of 7/45 against West Indies in 2016.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-respect-steve-smith-david-warner-says-imran-tahir-ahead-south-africa-australia-clash-233328&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiyqdmBjaDjAhUf73MBHTF-CgIQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2q6i8KwnZPGjn35nFfPhCN">Tahir </a>announced his retirement in a Twitter post on Friday and wrote, "Quite an emotional moment that I will be stepping on to the field one last time for an ODI for Cricket South Africa wholeheartedly thanking everyone who stood with me during my entire career and special thanks for Cricket South Africa to make my dream a reality. Will give it all I have tomorrow."

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Quite an emotional moment that I will be stepping on to the field one last time for an odi for <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialCSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficialCSA</a> wholeheartedly thanking everyone who stood with me during my entire career and special thanks for <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialCSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficialCSA</a> to make my dream a reality.Will give it all I have tomm
— Imran Tahir (@ImranTahirSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranTahirSA/status/1147198658032668678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In the ongoing World Cup, Tahir has managed to take 10 wickets.

South Africa, on the other hand, are out of the tournament as they won only two games out of eight. They were the first team to be knocked out from the semi-final contention.

Proteas did not get a good start as they lost their first three matches and their game against the West Indies was washed out.

South Africa could not recover from there and only managed to win against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

As of now, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/imran-tahir-creates-two-records-in-world-cup-match-against-england-222856&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiyqdmBjaDjAhUf73MBHTF-CgIQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw06kxn0x5aj3xlvQOLbQ-Te">Tahir </a>has not cleared anything about his participation in the other formats of cricket.

South Africa spinner Imran Tahir will be wearing the Proteas ODI jersey for the last time when the team steps on the field to play against Australia in their last match of the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup on Saturday.

South Africa spinner Imran Tahir will be wearing the Proteas ODI jersey for the last time when the team steps on the field to play against Australia in their last match of the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup on Saturday. After the match against Australia, he will retire from the ODI cricket. The 40-year-old made his ODI debut in the year 2011 World Cup against West Indies in Delhi and he went on to scalp four wickets. In his eight-year-long ODI career, the leg-spinner has featured in 106 ODIs for Proteas and has bagged 172 wickets. His career-best figures till now are of 7/45 against West Indies in 2016. Tahir announced his retirement in a Twitter post on Friday and wrote, "Quite an emotional moment that I will be stepping on to the field one last time for an ODI for Cricket South Africa wholeheartedly thanking everyone who stood with me during my entire career and special thanks for Cricket South Africa to make my dream a reality. Will give it all I have tomorrow." Quite an emotional moment that I will be stepping on to the field one last time for an odi for @OfficialCSA wholeheartedly thanking everyone who stood with me during my entire career and special thanks for @OfficialCSA to make my dream a reality.Will give it all I have tomm — Imran Tahir (@ImranTahirSA) July 5, 2019 × In the ongoing World Cup, Tahir has managed to take 10 wickets. South Africa, on the other hand, are out of the tournament as they won only two games out of eight. They were the first team to be knocked out from the semi-final contention. Proteas did not get a good start as they lost their first three matches and their game against the West Indies was washed out. South Africa could not recover from there and only managed to win against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. As of now, Tahir has not cleared anything about his participation in the other formats of cricket.

Imran Tahir to retire from ODIs after South Africa-Australia clash

West Indies won the battle of the Cricket World Cup's basement dwellers, beating <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gulbadin-naib-apologises-to-fans-for-afghanistans-poor-world-cup-performance-233187">Afghanistan </a>by 23 runs in their final group match at Headingley on Thursday.

Chris Gayle managed only seven runs in his final World Cup appearance but Shai Hope capitalised on an early reprieve to score 77 and help the eliminated Caribbean side to 311-6 after electing to bat.

While Gayle disappointed, 18-year-old Ikram Alikhil top-scored for Afghanistan with a career-best 86 before falling to the 39-year-old part-time spinner from Jamaica.

Afghanistan were all out for 288 in exactly 50 overs - their highest score in the World Cup - to finish their campaign with nine straight defeats, denying their West Indian coach Phil Simmons a winning send-off.

The match against the tournament's weakest side was an opportunity for Gayle to produce a special performance and to break Brian Lara's West Indies record for 10,348 ODI runs.

But the prolific left-handed opener failed to take it, slashing at a wide Dawlat Zadran delivery to be caught behind.

He finished his last World Cup with only one half-century and remains just 10 runs behind Lara's record.

"It's been a privilege and honour to represent West Indies in five World Cups but disappointed to end without making it to the final four," Gayle said after the victory.

"I don't intend to put my body on the risk, I've been struggling. This is the last one, definitely,"

West Indies could have been in bigger trouble but Rashid Khan dropped a sitter at mid-wicket off Zadran when Hope was on five.

By the time Rashid caught him, at mid-wicket in the 38th over, Hope had laid a strong foundation for a 300-plus total.

Opener Evin Lewis celebrated his return to the team with 58 and Nicholas Pooran also made 58, his third 50-plus score of the tournament.

Skipper Jason Holder clobbered four sixes in his 45 off 34 balls to help the team past the 300-mark.

Dropped catches, squandered run-out opportunity and misfields marred Afghanistan's fielding, best illustrated in the final over of the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/west-indies-vs-sri-lanka-rihanna-sprinkles-stardust-at-world-cup-232147&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiYyKzOmJ3jAhVD63MBHcXMCQwQFjABegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ZLFGrfj9jSd6lZ3wWN0d-">West Indies</a> innings.

Afghan captain Gulbadin Naib got himself under a skier at long-off but flinched at the last moment, possibly losing the ball in sunlight, allowing what would have been a regulation catch to go for a boundary.

Naib could not impress with the bat either and fell for eight.

Shah and Alikhil refused to throw in the towel, though, frustrating the West Indies attack with a 133-run partnership.

Carlos Brathwaite (4-63) dismissed Shah as he and Kemar Roach (3-37) snuffed out Afghan hopes of an unlikely victory.

"Big stage, in the end, it was tough to chase 300-plus but I'm happy with the batting performance," Naib said afterwards.

"<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/afghanistan-keeper-mohammad-shahzad-ruled-out-of-world-cup-2019-225176&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiTxOzmmJ3jAhXJ4HMBHUsWBv8QFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2qTHO9j72XTfEz-2HmYA8_">Alikhil </a>is a youngster, he showed his class today. We have many such talented youngsters back home," Naib said.

"Fitness is a big issue, the boys are struggling. Also pressure, we need to control our nerves. We can work even more on our skills to prove ourselves," added Naib.

West Indies won the battle of the Cricket World Cup's basement dwellers, beating Afghanistan by 23 runs in their final group match at Headingley on Thursday. Chris Gayle managed only seven runs in his final World Cup appearance but Shai Hope capitalised on an early reprieve to score 77 and help the eliminated Caribbean side to 311-6 after electing to bat.

West Indies won the battle of the Cricket World Cup's basement dwellers, beating Afghanistan by 23 runs in their final group match at Headingley on Thursday. Chris Gayle managed only seven runs in his final World Cup appearance but Shai Hope capitalised on an early reprieve to score 77 and help the eliminated Caribbean side to 311-6 after electing to bat. While Gayle disappointed, 18-year-old Ikram Alikhil top-scored for Afghanistan with a career-best 86 before falling to the 39-year-old part-time spinner from Jamaica. Afghanistan were all out for 288 in exactly 50 overs - their highest score in the World Cup - to finish their campaign with nine straight defeats, denying their West Indian coach Phil Simmons a winning send-off. The match against the tournament's weakest side was an opportunity for Gayle to produce a special performance and to break Brian Lara's West Indies record for 10,348 ODI runs. But the prolific left-handed opener failed to take it, slashing at a wide Dawlat Zadran delivery to be caught behind. He finished his last World Cup with only one half-century and remains just 10 runs behind Lara's record. "It's been a privilege and honour to represent West Indies in five World Cups but disappointed to end without making it to the final four," Gayle said after the victory. "I don't intend to put my body on the risk, I've been struggling. This is the last one, definitely," West Indies could have been in bigger trouble but Rashid Khan dropped a sitter at mid-wicket off Zadran when Hope was on five. By the time Rashid caught him, at mid-wicket in the 38th over, Hope had laid a strong foundation for a 300-plus total. Opener Evin Lewis celebrated his return to the team with 58 and Nicholas Pooran also made 58, his third 50-plus score of the tournament. Skipper Jason Holder clobbered four sixes in his 45 off 34 balls to help the team past the 300-mark. Dropped catches, squandered run-out opportunity and misfields marred Afghanistan's fielding, best illustrated in the final over of the West Indies innings. Afghan captain Gulbadin Naib got himself under a skier at long-off but flinched at the last moment, possibly losing the ball in sunlight, allowing what would have been a regulation catch to go for a boundary. Naib could not impress with the bat either and fell for eight. Shah and Alikhil refused to throw in the towel, though, frustrating the West Indies attack with a 133-run partnership. Carlos Brathwaite (4-63) dismissed Shah as he and Kemar Roach (3-37) snuffed out Afghan hopes of an unlikely victory. "Big stage, in the end, it was tough to chase 300-plus but I'm happy with the batting performance," Naib said afterwards. "Alikhil is a youngster, he showed his class today. We have many such talented youngsters back home," Naib said. "Fitness is a big issue, the boys are struggling. Also pressure, we need to control our nerves. We can work even more on our skills to prove ourselves," added Naib.

Chris Gayle fails to break Brian Lara's record in World Cup swansong

Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib apologised to his team's fans after their winless campaign in the Cricket World Cup, saying the side's big guns had let them down.

Few had expected <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-coach-phil-simmons-outburst-exposes-troubles-in-afghanistan-team-228705&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjX346UlZ3jAhUHL48KHT5NAgsQFjAGegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3HhVIpr5yzcFPHl7TsvGCr">Afghanistan </a>to make it through to the semi-final stage in only their second World Cup appearance, and the team may also have been unsettled by a late leadership change, with Naib replacing Asghar Afghan as their one-day captain.

But they were still touted as a potential giant-killer capable of pulling off an occasional upset, thanks to a spin-heavy attack including Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

"I'm very disappointed with the performance of the team. In each and every game we made a lot of mistakes. We did not play our natural cricket," Naib said after Thursday's defeat against West Indies.

Rashid, currently the number three ranked ODI bowler, had a particularly underwhelming tournament, the low point being the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-beat-afghanistan-by-150-runs-in-cricket-world-cup-228503&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjX346UlZ3jAhUHL48KHT5NAgsQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2EWBEoVinKab6DRbgte7av">match against England</a> when the leg-spinner was smashed for 110 runs off just nine overs - the worst bowling figures in World Cup history.

"We have big names in our time like Nabi, Rashid, Mujeeb...everyone expected them to perform like they did in the last two, three years.''

"Rashid has contributed 60 per cent in our wins. I also expected a lot from him. But it's a game of cricket, he gave his 100 per cent, but you can say he has had bad luck," Gulbadin said.

Afghanistan's repeated tinkering with their batting order also hurt the side, who finished with nine defeats in as many matches.

They fielded Ikram Alikhil between seven to nine in the first few matches, before promoting him to number three on Thursday, when the 18-year-old top-scored for them with a fearless 86.

"I learnt a lot in this tournament...I agree we did not give anyone proper chance with a fixed place in the batting order," said Naib.

"Even I was batting on seven or eight but jumped in as an opener in the last four-five games because the team needed it," he said.

"But I think it's not about a fixed position. If you play with a big heart, any position will suit you," said Naib.

Naib said fitness was a big issue with the team and they needed better preparation to make any impact in an international tournament.

"We could not give our 100 per cent and fulfil expectations of the people of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/mohammad-shahzad-blames-afghanistan-cricket-board-for-his-withdrawal-from-world-cup-squad-226086&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjX346UlZ3jAhUHL48KHT5NAgsQFjAEegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2TfOODoS3ZW1VgvX-OK5qX">Afghanistan</a>. I say sorry to my fans and my country," he said.

Two-times champions West Indies bowed out of the tournament they had entered as a possible dark horse with just two wins from their nine group matches.

Opener Chris Gayle's World Cup swansong, however, provided a glimpse of a better future as Shai Hope, Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer, aged between 22 and 25, impressed with the bat.

"Definitely a learning experience, something I'll never forget," said Hope, who won the man-of-the-match award for his 77.

"I'm sure we're going to use this as basically a platform for the next four years. And hopefully, we can have something stronger and build more momentum early in the tournament and take it on to the semis and the final," added Hope.

Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib apologised to his team's fans after their winless campaign in the Cricket World Cup, saying the side's big guns had let them down.

Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib apologised to his team's fans after their winless campaign in the Cricket World Cup, saying the side's big guns had let them down. Few had expected Afghanistan to make it through to the semi-final stage in only their second World Cup appearance, and the team may also have been unsettled by a late leadership change, with Naib replacing Asghar Afghan as their one-day captain. But they were still touted as a potential giant-killer capable of pulling off an occasional upset, thanks to a spin-heavy attack including Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. "I'm very disappointed with the performance of the team. In each and every game we made a lot of mistakes. We did not play our natural cricket," Naib said after Thursday's defeat against West Indies. Rashid, currently the number three ranked ODI bowler, had a particularly underwhelming tournament, the low point being the match against England when the leg-spinner was smashed for 110 runs off just nine overs - the worst bowling figures in World Cup history. "We have big names in our time like Nabi, Rashid, Mujeeb...everyone expected them to perform like they did in the last two, three years.'' "Rashid has contributed 60 per cent in our wins. I also expected a lot from him. But it's a game of cricket, he gave his 100 per cent, but you can say he has had bad luck," Gulbadin said. Afghanistan's repeated tinkering with their batting order also hurt the side, who finished with nine defeats in as many matches. They fielded Ikram Alikhil between seven to nine in the first few matches, before promoting him to number three on Thursday, when the 18-year-old top-scored for them with a fearless 86. "I learnt a lot in this tournament...I agree we did not give anyone proper chance with a fixed place in the batting order," said Naib. "Even I was batting on seven or eight but jumped in as an opener in the last four-five games because the team needed it," he said. "But I think it's not about a fixed position. If you play with a big heart, any position will suit you," said Naib. Naib said fitness was a big issue with the team and they needed better preparation to make any impact in an international tournament. "We could not give our 100 per cent and fulfil expectations of the people of Afghanistan. I say sorry to my fans and my country," he said. Two-times champions West Indies bowed out of the tournament they had entered as a possible dark horse with just two wins from their nine group matches. Opener Chris Gayle's World Cup swansong, however, provided a glimpse of a better future as Shai Hope, Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer, aged between 22 and 25, impressed with the bat. "Definitely a learning experience, something I'll never forget," said Hope, who won the man-of-the-match award for his 77. "I'm sure we're going to use this as basically a platform for the next four years. And hopefully, we can have something stronger and build more momentum early in the tournament and take it on to the semis and the final," added Hope.

Gulbadin Naib apologises to fans for Afghanistan's poor World Cup performance

Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed admitted his team need a miracle to qualify for the World Cup semi-finals as they prepare for their final league game against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-head-to-head-records-between-pakistan-and-bangladesh-233044">Bangladesh </a>at Lord's on Friday.

Pakistan requires an outlandishly big victory but if Bangladesh bat first, their chances of catching New Zealand will be gone.

"Obviously, we are here to win all the matches," said Sarfaraz, whose team have lost their past four one-day internationals against a fast-improving Bangladesh.

"We will do our best to win the last game as well to end on a high and we will do our best to achieve that but we need to be realistic, but if Allah helps then miracles can happen," he said.

"It's like you score 600, 500, 400 on a pitch then you think you can get the other team out for 50 and then win by a 316-run margin. If you think realistically, then we can only try. But the first real thing will be to win the match," Sarfaraz said.

Pakistan's highest total at the tournament is the 348-8 they made in their shock win over England. The host nation's 397-6 against Afghanistan is the best of the World Cup so far.

Sarfaraz said it had been tough to post big totals on the pitches being used in the tournament.

"If you look at the tournament then, realistically, the tournament is of 280-300 totals," said Sarfaraz.

"If you look at the pitches, they were not for free-scoring. They were tough for batting with spin and the ball was not coming onto the bat," he said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pak-may-get-tossed-out-of-world-cup-even-before-a-ball-is-bowled-in-bangladesh-match-232967">Pakistan </a>were shot out for a paltry 105 in their first match, with the West Indies winning in just 13.4 overs, meaning they took a huge hit on run rate.

They won just one of their first five matches, coming back strongly to beat South Africa, New Zealand and Afghanistan to sit fifth in the 10-team table.

But England's victory against New Zealand on Wednesday left them with a virtually impossible task.

Those two teams plus Australia and India will almost certainly be the four semi-finalists.

Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed admitted his team need a miracle to qualify for the World Cup semi-finals as they prepare for their final league game against Bangladesh at Lord's on Friday.

Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed admitted his team need a miracle to qualify for the World Cup semi-finals as they prepare for their final league game against Bangladesh at Lord's on Friday. Pakistan requires an outlandishly big victory but if Bangladesh bat first, their chances of catching New Zealand will be gone. "Obviously, we are here to win all the matches," said Sarfaraz, whose team have lost their past four one-day internationals against a fast-improving Bangladesh. "We will do our best to win the last game as well to end on a high and we will do our best to achieve that but we need to be realistic, but if Allah helps then miracles can happen," he said. "It's like you score 600, 500, 400 on a pitch then you think you can get the other team out for 50 and then win by a 316-run margin. If you think realistically, then we can only try. But the first real thing will be to win the match," Sarfaraz said. Pakistan's highest total at the tournament is the 348-8 they made in their shock win over England. The host nation's 397-6 against Afghanistan is the best of the World Cup so far. Sarfaraz said it had been tough to post big totals on the pitches being used in the tournament. "If you look at the tournament then, realistically, the tournament is of 280-300 totals," said Sarfaraz. "If you look at the pitches, they were not for free-scoring. They were tough for batting with spin and the ball was not coming onto the bat," he said. Pakistan were shot out for a paltry 105 in their first match, with the West Indies winning in just 13.4 overs, meaning they took a huge hit on run rate. They won just one of their first five matches, coming back strongly to beat South Africa, New Zealand and Afghanistan to sit fifth in the 10-team table. But England's victory against New Zealand on Wednesday left them with a virtually impossible task. Those two teams plus Australia and India will almost certainly be the four semi-finalists.

Pakistan will aim to score 500 runs against Bangladesh, says skipper Sarfaraz

Australia batsman Shaun Marsh has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup after suffering a broken arm while batting in the nets against team-mate Pat Cummins.

Thursday's Old Trafford training session, which took place two days before reigning champions <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-india-and-australia-are-standout-teams-says-clive-lloyd-232470&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi11u6IkZ3jAhUJpI8KHfQlAHUQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2_MOWgfsKv_zKd2MEkJ0gk">Australia's </a>final group game against South Africa at the Manchester ground, also saw all-rounder Glenn Maxwell struck a painful blow batting against left-arm quick Mitchell Starc.

No sooner had Maxwell been escorted away by medical staff after going down in pain when a rising delivery from Starc, the tournament's leading wicket-taker, reared up and hit him on the right forearm, than Marsh, batting in the same net, was struck on the wrist by Cummins.

Both players were sent to a hospital for scans, with left-hander Marsh subsequently ruled out, although Maxwell has not suffered any serious damage according to Australia coach Justin Langer.

One consolation for Australia is that 35-year-old left-hander Marsh, who will be replaced by Peter Handscomb, has become the squad's reserve batsman and has not featured in a World Cup match since he made three against Sri Lanka at the Oval last month.

The International Cricket Council confirmed Marsh's exit from the World Cup in a statement, saying its event technical committee had approved Handscomb as a replacement for Marsh for the remainder of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Langer said it was "shattering news" that Marsh's World Cup was over.

"Shaun Marsh has had scans on his right forearm after being struck while practising in the nets at training today," Langer said.

"Unfortunately, the scans have revealed Shaun has suffered a fracture to his forearm which will require surgery.''

"This is obviously shattering news for Shaun and the squad. Throughout this tournament, his spirit, professionalism and the way he has competed has been typically outstanding."

"We are right behind Shaun in his recovery and rehabilitation," the former Australia opener added.

Langer, explaining why Handscomb had been called up, said,&nbsp;"Pete is a like for like player, in terms of batting in the middle order, and he performed very well for us during our recent tours in India and the UAE."

Meanwhile, Langer was optimistic about Maxwell, saying,&nbsp;"We are hopeful he will be fit to perform for us on Saturday against South Africa."

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-mitchell-starc-five-for-trumps-boult-hat-trick-as-australia-beat-new-zealand-231633&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi11u6IkZ3jAhUJpI8KHfQlAHUQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3fPbL4Po_FNLTYzgzjEeXa">Australia </a>have a maximum of three World Cup games left to play, with the South Africa match coming ahead of next week's semi-finals and the final at Lord's on July 14.

Australia batsman Shaun Marsh has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup after suffering a broken arm while batting in the nets against team-mate Pat Cummins.

Australia batsman Shaun Marsh has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup after suffering a broken arm while batting in the nets against team-mate Pat Cummins. Thursday's Old Trafford training session, which took place two days before reigning champions Australia's final group game against South Africa at the Manchester ground, also saw all-rounder Glenn Maxwell struck a painful blow batting against left-arm quick Mitchell Starc. No sooner had Maxwell been escorted away by medical staff after going down in pain when a rising delivery from Starc, the tournament's leading wicket-taker, reared up and hit him on the right forearm, than Marsh, batting in the same net, was struck on the wrist by Cummins. Both players were sent to a hospital for scans, with left-hander Marsh subsequently ruled out, although Maxwell has not suffered any serious damage according to Australia coach Justin Langer. One consolation for Australia is that 35-year-old left-hander Marsh, who will be replaced by Peter Handscomb, has become the squad's reserve batsman and has not featured in a World Cup match since he made three against Sri Lanka at the Oval last month. The International Cricket Council confirmed Marsh's exit from the World Cup in a statement, saying its event technical committee had approved Handscomb as a replacement for Marsh for the remainder of the tournament. Meanwhile, Langer said it was "shattering news" that Marsh's World Cup was over. "Shaun Marsh has had scans on his right forearm after being struck while practising in the nets at training today," Langer said. "Unfortunately, the scans have revealed Shaun has suffered a fracture to his forearm which will require surgery.'' "This is obviously shattering news for Shaun and the squad. Throughout this tournament, his spirit, professionalism and the way he has competed has been typically outstanding." "We are right behind Shaun in his recovery and rehabilitation," the former Australia opener added. Langer, explaining why Handscomb had been called up, said, "Pete is a like for like player, in terms of batting in the middle order, and he performed very well for us during our recent tours in India and the UAE." Meanwhile, Langer was optimistic about Maxwell, saying, "We are hopeful he will be fit to perform for us on Saturday against South Africa." Australia have a maximum of three World Cup games left to play, with the South Africa match coming ahead of next week's semi-finals and the final at Lord's on July 14.

Australia's Shaun Marsh ruled out of World Cup; Peter Handscomb named replacement

&nbsp;Amid English fans jeering Australia's Steve Smith and David Warner during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-are-playing-their-best-cricket-says-sri-lankas-angelo-mathews-233248">World Cup</a>, South Africa spinner Imran Tahir lent his support to the duo saying that they have served their punishment and he respects them.

"We haven't spoken about it. They have served their punishment. They are world-beaters and they have my respect. Everyone makes mistakes ... I have made mistakes in my life too," Tahir said.

In March last year, when Australia toured to South Africa for a four-match Test series, Smith and Warner were found guilty of tampering the ball and consequently, were handed a year-long ban.

After the incident, this is the first time when <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/steve-smith-david-warner-need-to-have-thick-skin-to-shine-at-world-cup-says-brett-lee-222826&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwji5tPJ653jAhWu6XMBHXUTAwsQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Zx2BC2Ni8i6FRp-KxKes0">Smith and Warner</a> will compete against the Proteas.

Australia have already reached in the semi-finals while South Africa have already been knocked out from the semi-finals race and will be playing their last match in this edition of the quadrennial tournament.

Although the match will not be able to change South Africa's fortune in the premier tournament, the Proteas can try to end their campaign with a win.

When asked if there would be sledging during the match, Tahir said,&nbsp;"Not from us, but if it comes from them then we won`t hold back."South Africa will face Australia on July 6.

Amid English fans jeering Australia's Steve Smith and David Warner during the World Cup, South Africa spinner Imran Tahir lent his support to the duo saying that they have served their punishment and he respects them.

Amid English fans jeering Australia's Steve Smith and David Warner during the World Cup, South Africa spinner Imran Tahir lent his support to the duo saying that they have served their punishment and he respects them. "We haven't spoken about it. They have served their punishment. They are world-beaters and they have my respect. Everyone makes mistakes ... I have made mistakes in my life too," Tahir said. In March last year, when Australia toured to South Africa for a four-match Test series, Smith and Warner were found guilty of tampering the ball and consequently, were handed a year-long ban. After the incident, this is the first time when Smith and Warner will compete against the Proteas. Australia have already reached in the semi-finals while South Africa have already been knocked out from the semi-finals race and will be playing their last match in this edition of the quadrennial tournament. Although the match will not be able to change South Africa's fortune in the premier tournament, the Proteas can try to end their campaign with a win. When asked if there would be sledging during the match, Tahir said, "Not from us, but if it comes from them then we won`t hold back."South Africa will face Australia on July 6.

I respect Steve Smith, David Warner, says Imran Tahir ahead South Africa-Australia clash

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chris-gayle-fails-to-break-brian-laras-record-in-world-cup-swansong-233191">West Indies</a> should follow England's example to return stronger in the next World Cup, all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite said after the two-time champions exited the tournament with only two victories from nine matches.

Jason Holder and his men entered the tournament as a potential dark horse but blew hot and cold in between wins in their opener against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-will-aim-to-score-500-runs-against-bangladesh-says-skipper-sarfaraz-233173">Pakistan </a>and their final match against Afghanistan.

Despite their early exit, the emergence of batsmen Shai Hope, Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer have made Caribbean fans optimistic about the team's future.

Brathwaite wants them to imitate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-have-a-point-to-prove-in-world-cup-semis-says-trevor-bayliss-233207">England </a>who have transformed themselves after crashing out of the 2015 World Cup, acquiring an array of stroke makers who routinely help the team to 300-plus totals.

"As a team, we need to regroup," Brathwaite, who nearly pulled off a thrilling victory against New Zealand with a spectacular century, told reporters.''

"We have some time off, some aching bodies will get time to recuperate and then it's about finding ways and combinations to compete and win series.''

"Hopefully we can take that winning mentality into the next World Cup. If you look at 2015 and what England did after the World Cup, they have built straight up to the 2019 World Cup and it's paying dividends," Brathwaite said.

England, who entered the tournament as the top-ranked ODI team but have since slipped to the second place, have joined Australia and India in the semi-finals with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ross-taylor-slams-skipper-kane-williamsons-critics-ahead-of-new-zealand-vs-england-clash-232639">New Zealand</a> set to complete the last four line-ups.

"I don't know off the field what the plans are for the 2023 World Cup but I think it's something we need to look at and build towards that," Brathwaite said.

Overall, the all-rounder said, it was an experience that West Indies must capitalise on to return stronger as a team.

"There is disappointment in the changing rooms at not making the final four but we're thankful for the good performances," he said.

"(Quick) Sheldon Cottrell had a fantastic tournament and at times like these, it's easy to let those things go missing.''

"But as a team we came together, we highlighted the guys that we thought had good performances and the guys that didn't will take the lessons and come back from it so we can start to win bilateral series leading up to the next World Cup," Brathwaite added.

West Indies should follow England's example to return stronger in the next World Cup, all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite said after the two-time champions exited the tournament with only two victories from nine matches.

West Indies should follow England's example to return stronger in the next World Cup, all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite said after the two-time champions exited the tournament with only two victories from nine matches. Jason Holder and his men entered the tournament as a potential dark horse but blew hot and cold in between wins in their opener against Pakistan and their final match against Afghanistan. Despite their early exit, the emergence of batsmen Shai Hope, Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer have made Caribbean fans optimistic about the team's future. Brathwaite wants them to imitate England who have transformed themselves after crashing out of the 2015 World Cup, acquiring an array of stroke makers who routinely help the team to 300-plus totals. "As a team, we need to regroup," Brathwaite, who nearly pulled off a thrilling victory against New Zealand with a spectacular century, told reporters.'' "We have some time off, some aching bodies will get time to recuperate and then it's about finding ways and combinations to compete and win series.'' "Hopefully we can take that winning mentality into the next World Cup. If you look at 2015 and what England did after the World Cup, they have built straight up to the 2019 World Cup and it's paying dividends," Brathwaite said. England, who entered the tournament as the top-ranked ODI team but have since slipped to the second place, have joined Australia and India in the semi-finals with New Zealand set to complete the last four line-ups. "I don't know off the field what the plans are for the 2023 World Cup but I think it's something we need to look at and build towards that," Brathwaite said. Overall, the all-rounder said, it was an experience that West Indies must capitalise on to return stronger as a team. "There is disappointment in the changing rooms at not making the final four but we're thankful for the good performances," he said. "(Quick) Sheldon Cottrell had a fantastic tournament and at times like these, it's easy to let those things go missing.'' "But as a team we came together, we highlighted the guys that we thought had good performances and the guys that didn't will take the lessons and come back from it so we can start to win bilateral series leading up to the next World Cup," Brathwaite added.

Carlos Brathwaite wants West Indies to regroup, follow England's example

Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews stated that his team has failed to display consistent performance in the ongoing ICC Men's World Cup on Thursday.

Mathews'&nbsp;remark came prior to their next match against India.

According to him <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-dhananjaya-de-silva-feels-sri-lanka-are-unbeatable-on-slow-pitches-229539&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwib_-a5sp3jAhVIPI8KHQz2BEMQFjAFegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1t1UKSESDFNCk4AbY1XtdE">Sri Lanka</a> played well in patches but not that well to qualify to the semis.

The 32-year-old did not look happy with his performance in the tournament so far as he was only able to score 131 runs from six games so far.

"We played well in patches but not very well to make it to the semi-finals. I am disappointed with my performance too, I was only able to get the one big score. Especially in the first three games, I missed out including the middle order. I could have done a lot better than what I did so far," Mattews told reporters.

The 1996 World Cup champions and 2011 runners-up had hard luck in the tournament. This World Cup did not go well for Sri Lanka as their two games were called off due to rain and they only have eight points.

The team defeated Afghanistan, England, and the West Indies. Sri Lanka are at the sixth position of the tournament standings.

"It has been disappointing World Cup for Sri Lanka but there were few positives also. The three wins that we had was pretty good but unfortunately two games were rained out and we got only one point each," Mattews said.

When asked about his retirement plan, Mathews stated that he wants to pursue cricket for a few more years and his goal is to start bowling as soon as he can. He wants to add his contribution to the bowling department for the team.

"I am still 32-years-old and want to play a few more years. I would like to start bowling as soon as I can because that can contribute to the team as well," he said.

Mathews opined that the game against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hardik-pandya-uses-experience-as-all-rounder-to-outwit-players-says-india-skipper-virat-kohli-232794">India </a>will be tough as Men in Blue are playing their best cricket. India are at the second spot of the team&nbsp;standings with 13 points, they only lost one match out of their eight games.

They were the second to qualify for the semis after Australia.

"It is going to be the tough game for us as they are playing their best cricket. We will try to finish off really well," Mathews concluded.

Sri Lanka will take on India in their last game of the World Cup on July 6.

Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews stated that his team has failed to display consistent performance in the ongoing ICC Men's World Cup on Thursday. Mathews' remark came prior to their next match against India.

Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews stated that his team has failed to display consistent performance in the ongoing ICC Men's World Cup on Thursday. Mathews' remark came prior to their next match against India. According to him Sri Lanka played well in patches but not that well to qualify to the semis. The 32-year-old did not look happy with his performance in the tournament so far as he was only able to score 131 runs from six games so far. "We played well in patches but not very well to make it to the semi-finals. I am disappointed with my performance too, I was only able to get the one big score. Especially in the first three games, I missed out including the middle order. I could have done a lot better than what I did so far," Mattews told reporters. The 1996 World Cup champions and 2011 runners-up had hard luck in the tournament. This World Cup did not go well for Sri Lanka as their two games were called off due to rain and they only have eight points. The team defeated Afghanistan, England, and the West Indies. Sri Lanka are at the sixth position of the tournament standings. "It has been disappointing World Cup for Sri Lanka but there were few positives also. The three wins that we had was pretty good but unfortunately two games were rained out and we got only one point each," Mattews said. When asked about his retirement plan, Mathews stated that he wants to pursue cricket for a few more years and his goal is to start bowling as soon as he can. He wants to add his contribution to the bowling department for the team. "I am still 32-years-old and want to play a few more years. I would like to start bowling as soon as I can because that can contribute to the team as well," he said. Mathews opined that the game against India will be tough as Men in Blue are playing their best cricket. India are at the second spot of the team standings with 13 points, they only lost one match out of their eight games. They were the second to qualify for the semis after Australia. "It is going to be the tough game for us as they are playing their best cricket. We will try to finish off really well," Mathews concluded. Sri Lanka will take on India in their last game of the World Cup on July 6.

India are playing their best cricket, says Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson lamented the lack of significant partnerships on a difficult track after their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-41-england-vs-new-zealand-232709">crushing defeat by England</a> in their final group match of the Cricket World Cup on Wednesday.

Chasing 306 for a victory that would have assured them a place in the semi-finals, New Zealand lost both their openers cheaply and the wheels came off their innings when Williamson and Ross Taylor both were run out in successive overs.

Tom Latham made a fighting 57 but New Zealand were still shot out for 186 in 45 overs.

"Going into that second half, we just needed a couple of big partnerships, certainly from the top order and it wasn't there," said Williamson, who felt the track got tough to bat on midway through the England innings.''

"By no means was it an easy surface to try and gain momentum but at the same time it was important as a batting unit we were able to try and take the game to a position where you might give yourself a chance to win it, but we weren't able to do that," said Williamson.

Electing to bat, England got a flying start from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-really-pleased-with-my-performance-says-jonny-bairstow-after-smashing-century-232822">Jonny Bairstow</a> and Jason Roy to be 194-1 in 30 overs before the New Zealand bowlers halted their progress to restrict the hosts to 305-8.

England captain Eoin Morgan said his team had played some of their best cricket in their last two group games to make the semi-finals of the World Cup after 27 years.

Back-to-back defeats by Sri Lanka and Australia had jeopardised England's semi-final prospects but Morgan's men bounced back in style, ending India's unbeaten run in Birmingham and then crushing New Zealand to storm into the last four.

A common factor in both the victories was the flying start England got from openers Jonny Bairstow, who smashed his second successive century on Wednesday, and Jason Roy who made a roaring return from a hamstring injury in the match against India.

"We bat all the way down but those two are pushing the ceiling as to what guys can normally do," Morgan said.

More than the runs they raise, Morgan was pleased with how the openers complemented each other.

"Jonny got off to a flyer, Jason was quite slow to start and then caught up and Jonny slowed down.

"It was really brilliant to watch because normally you have two guys competing with each other the whole time trying to get ahead, trying to get the strike, trying to be more dominant, whereas as a partnership they are extremely dominant."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-beat-new-zealand-by-119-runs-to-reach-world-cup-semis-232875">England </a>will play either Australia or India in their semi-final match at Edgbaston, where England have not lost in 10 matches across formats.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson lamented the lack of significant partnerships on a difficult track after their crushing defeat by England in their final group match of the Cricket World Cup on Wednesday.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson lamented the lack of significant partnerships on a difficult track after their crushing defeat by England in their final group match of the Cricket World Cup on Wednesday. Chasing 306 for a victory that would have assured them a place in the semi-finals, New Zealand lost both their openers cheaply and the wheels came off their innings when Williamson and Ross Taylor both were run out in successive overs. Tom Latham made a fighting 57 but New Zealand were still shot out for 186 in 45 overs. "Going into that second half, we just needed a couple of big partnerships, certainly from the top order and it wasn't there," said Williamson, who felt the track got tough to bat on midway through the England innings.'' "By no means was it an easy surface to try and gain momentum but at the same time it was important as a batting unit we were able to try and take the game to a position where you might give yourself a chance to win it, but we weren't able to do that," said Williamson. Electing to bat, England got a flying start from Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy to be 194-1 in 30 overs before the New Zealand bowlers halted their progress to restrict the hosts to 305-8. England captain Eoin Morgan said his team had played some of their best cricket in their last two group games to make the semi-finals of the World Cup after 27 years. Back-to-back defeats by Sri Lanka and Australia had jeopardised England's semi-final prospects but Morgan's men bounced back in style, ending India's unbeaten run in Birmingham and then crushing New Zealand to storm into the last four. A common factor in both the victories was the flying start England got from openers Jonny Bairstow, who smashed his second successive century on Wednesday, and Jason Roy who made a roaring return from a hamstring injury in the match against India. "We bat all the way down but those two are pushing the ceiling as to what guys can normally do," Morgan said. More than the runs they raise, Morgan was pleased with how the openers complemented each other. "Jonny got off to a flyer, Jason was quite slow to start and then caught up and Jonny slowed down. "It was really brilliant to watch because normally you have two guys competing with each other the whole time trying to get ahead, trying to get the strike, trying to be more dominant, whereas as a partnership they are extremely dominant." England will play either Australia or India in their semi-final match at Edgbaston, where England have not lost in 10 matches across formats.

World Cup: Morgan hails Bairstow, Roy while Williamson rues lack of partnerships

Pakistan will take on Bangladesh in the 43rd match of&nbsp;ICC World Cup 2019 on Friday at Lord's, London.

This will be the ninth and the final league match for both the teams.

Pakistan, whose chances of qualifying for the semifinals received a major setback after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-beat-new-zealand-by-119-runs-to-reach-world-cup-semis-232875">England beat New Zealand</a> by 119 runs on Wednesday, have a nearly impossible task to qualify for semifinals.

Pakistan at the moment are placed fifth on the points table with nine points while Bangladesh are on the seventh with seven points.

In World Cup history, both have previously clashed only once in the 1999 World Cup, and Bangladesh defeated Pakistan&nbsp;by 62 runs in the clash.

Pakistan and Bangladesh have faced each other 36 times in the One Day International format, with Pakistan having an upper hand over Bangladesh.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pak-may-get-tossed-out-of-world-cup-even-before-a-ball-is-bowled-in-bangladesh-match-232967">Pakistan </a>have won 31 out of the 36 matches while Bangladesh have managed to defeat them&nbsp;five times which includes a&nbsp;clean sweep in a 3 match ODI series in 2014–15.

They will take on each other at the 2019 World Cup on July 5 at Lord's in London.

Pakistan will take on Bangladesh in the 43rd match of ICC World Cup 2019 on Friday at Lord's, London. This will be the ninth and the final league match for both the teams.

Pakistan will take on Bangladesh in the 43rd match of ICC World Cup 2019 on Friday at Lord's, London. This will be the ninth and the final league match for both the teams. Pakistan, whose chances of qualifying for the semifinals received a major setback after England beat New Zealand by 119 runs on Wednesday, have a nearly impossible task to qualify for semifinals. Pakistan at the moment are placed fifth on the points table with nine points while Bangladesh are on the seventh with seven points. In World Cup history, both have previously clashed only once in the 1999 World Cup, and Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 62 runs in the clash. Pakistan and Bangladesh have faced each other 36 times in the One Day International format, with Pakistan having an upper hand over Bangladesh. Pakistan have won 31 out of the 36 matches while Bangladesh have managed to defeat them five times which includes a clean sweep in a 3 match ODI series in 2014–15. They will take on each other at the 2019 World Cup on July 5 at Lord's in London.

World Cup: Head-to-head records between Pakistan and Bangladesh

After registering a comprehensive 119-run victory over New Zealand, England's pacer Mark Wood said that he got really lucky to dismiss Kiwi skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-morgan-hails-bairstow-roy-while-williamson-rues-lack-of-partnerships-232936">Kane Williamson</a>.

Williamson was playing steadily during the chase of 307 runs against England.

Ross Taylor punched a delivery from Wood down the ground, but Wood stuck his hand out and he got the slightest of deflection onto the stumps at the non-striker's end.

Williamson who was backing up in trying to steal a run, was found short of his ground and was eventually sent back to the pavilion.

"I got lucky. He backed-up because he was looking for the run. It was nothing to do with my bowling. And it's not as if I deliberately palmed it back on the stumps. I was trying to actually stop it and got a little bit fortunate. I am pleased that in such a big game I managed to be so lucky," Wood said.

"He doesn't know how unlucky he is because I've got the smallest hands for a bloke you've ever seen. I managed to just get a fingertip to it. The umpire wasn't sure if I'd tipped it, and I was like 'I swear to God I did.'&nbsp;I knew it had flicked the end of my finger," he added.

During the match between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-beat-new-zealand-by-119-runs-to-reach-world-cup-semis-232875">England </a>and New Zealand, the former won the toss and opted to bat first.

England posted a score of 306 runs on the board. Openers Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow once again provided a solid opening partnership to the team.

Roy was dismissed for 60 but Bairstow went on to score a century. This was Bairstow's second consecutive century as he earlier scored a century against India on Sunday as well.

New Zealand were not able to chase the target as they fell 119-run short. No Kiwi batsmen were able to stay at the crease for a long time and England kept chipping away at the wickets.

As a result of this, England qualified for the semi-finals.

England have qualified for the semi-finals for the first time in the World Cup since 1992.

Wood heaped praise on Williamson, saying that the Kiwi is one of the best batsmen he has bowled at. The pacer said that the team has momentum in its corner, which will be beneficial for the side in the semi-final.

"He is one of the best players I've ever bowled at. So to get him out any way you can is pretty important. It saved me bowling at him any more so I was pretty pleased," Wood said.

"We've got some great momentum. We've had our backs up against the wall so to play with the values we have talked about in the past has shown a lot of courage from the team. Now we are going on to another huge game, but one we'll be pretty confident in," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-really-pleased-with-my-performance-says-jonny-bairstow-after-smashing-century-232822">England </a>now waits for other results to find out who they will face in the semi-final.

After registering a comprehensive 119-run victory over New Zealand, England's pacer Mark Wood said that he got really lucky to dismiss Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson.

After registering a comprehensive 119-run victory over New Zealand, England's pacer Mark Wood said that he got really lucky to dismiss Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson. Williamson was playing steadily during the chase of 307 runs against England. Ross Taylor punched a delivery from Wood down the ground, but Wood stuck his hand out and he got the slightest of deflection onto the stumps at the non-striker's end. Williamson who was backing up in trying to steal a run, was found short of his ground and was eventually sent back to the pavilion. "I got lucky. He backed-up because he was looking for the run. It was nothing to do with my bowling. And it's not as if I deliberately palmed it back on the stumps. I was trying to actually stop it and got a little bit fortunate. I am pleased that in such a big game I managed to be so lucky," Wood said. "He doesn't know how unlucky he is because I've got the smallest hands for a bloke you've ever seen. I managed to just get a fingertip to it. The umpire wasn't sure if I'd tipped it, and I was like 'I swear to God I did.' I knew it had flicked the end of my finger," he added. During the match between England and New Zealand, the former won the toss and opted to bat first. England posted a score of 306 runs on the board. Openers Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow once again provided a solid opening partnership to the team. Roy was dismissed for 60 but Bairstow went on to score a century. This was Bairstow's second consecutive century as he earlier scored a century against India on Sunday as well. New Zealand were not able to chase the target as they fell 119-run short. No Kiwi batsmen were able to stay at the crease for a long time and England kept chipping away at the wickets. As a result of this, England qualified for the semi-finals. England have qualified for the semi-finals for the first time in the World Cup since 1992. Wood heaped praise on Williamson, saying that the Kiwi is one of the best batsmen he has bowled at. The pacer said that the team has momentum in its corner, which will be beneficial for the side in the semi-final. "He is one of the best players I've ever bowled at. So to get him out any way you can is pretty important. It saved me bowling at him any more so I was pretty pleased," Wood said. "We've got some great momentum. We've had our backs up against the wall so to play with the values we have talked about in the past has shown a lot of courage from the team. Now we are going on to another huge game, but one we'll be pretty confident in," he added. England now waits for other results to find out who they will face in the semi-final.

World Cup: I got lucky, says England's Mark Wood on dismissing Kane Williamson

Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup received a major setback after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-beat-new-zealand-by-119-runs-to-reach-world-cup-semis-232875">England beat New Zealand</a> by 119 runs on Wednesday.

Now, Pakistan will have to beat Bangladesh by never seen before margins to stand a chance to reach the semis. Pakistan are placed fifth in the points table with nine points from eight matches.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-beats-india-in-dropped-catches-with-a-huge-margin-in-world-cup-2019-229984&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjB0t6m5prjAhXHiHAKHQuKAUAQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0JlL65hg04lfP7bYrRuOVE">Pakistan </a>are just below New Zealand, who are placed fourth with eleven points from nine matches and have a net run rate of +0.175 even after their loss to England.

Pakistan have a net run rate of -0.792 which will probably cost them their chance to qualify for the semis.

There are very slim chances of Pakistan to qualify to the semifinal but it is mathematically possible.

Here are the probable ways for Pakistan to reach the semis:

If Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 311 runs after posting 350

or

If Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 316 runs after scoring 400

or

If Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 321 runs after scoring 450.

And if Pakistan are made to bowl first, they will be out of the semifinal race even before the first ball is bowled at Lord's on Friday.

New Zealand who are placed fourth will qualify automatically if Pakistan fail to beat Bangladesh by one of these highly unlikely margins.

Pakistan will take on <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-bangladesh-keep-semi-final-hopes-alive-with-62-run-win-over-afghanistan-230128&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjHwZ235prjAhWBFYgKHYkGDbEQFjAJegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0JPwlCPamZyM8YaHDhHLgh">Bangladesh </a>on Friday at &nbsp;Lord's in London.

Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup received a major setback after England beat New Zealand by 119 runs on Wednesday. Now, Pakistan will have to beat Bangladesh by never seen before margins to stand a chance to reach the semis.

Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup received a major setback after England beat New Zealand by 119 runs on Wednesday. Now, Pakistan will have to beat Bangladesh by never seen before margins to stand a chance to reach the semis. Pakistan are placed fifth in the points table with nine points from eight matches. Pakistan are just below New Zealand, who are placed fourth with eleven points from nine matches and have a net run rate of +0.175 even after their loss to England. Pakistan have a net run rate of -0.792 which will probably cost them their chance to qualify for the semis. There are very slim chances of Pakistan to qualify to the semifinal but it is mathematically possible. Here are the probable ways for Pakistan to reach the semis: If Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 311 runs after posting 350 or If Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 316 runs after scoring 400 or If Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 321 runs after scoring 450. And if Pakistan are made to bowl first, they will be out of the semifinal race even before the first ball is bowled at Lord's on Friday. New Zealand who are placed fourth will qualify automatically if Pakistan fail to beat Bangladesh by one of these highly unlikely margins. Pakistan will take on Bangladesh on Friday at Lord's in London.

Pakistan may get 'tossed' out of World Cup even before a ball is bowled in Bangladesh match

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson is a "world-class" leader and pundits should not brand him as timid or cautious after the Kiwis lost their last two matches at the Cricket World Cup, batsman Ross Taylor said on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealands-trent-boult-takes-world-cup-hat-trick-against-australia-231583&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwik5ZzOkZjjAhVMLo8KHbaeC2kQFjAGegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2bi3h_rwdFfwzpCSvM9Bvz">New Zealand</a> were firm favourites to become the first team to seal a semi-final spot after winning five matches in a row but consecutive losses to Pakistan and Australia have left Williamson's side in third place with one game to go.

British media have picked on Williamson's sedate captaincy style which they said was in stark contrast to former captain Brendon McCullum's gung-ho approach but Taylor said he was not concerned by the reaction from pundits.

"I think Kane is a fantastic world-class batsman and a world-class captain," he told reporters ahead of Wednesday's match against England. "You don't have to look far, the last couple of matches.''

"There are some pundits out there saying he was a great captain. We lose a couple of games and he is a bad captain. He is still a great captain, leads from the front and the team respect him and I love playing under him.''

"I played under many different captains, Brendon was the extreme and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-cup-2015-firmly-behind-kane-williamsons-new-zealand-as-they-reunite-with-sri-lanka-223318&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwik5ZzOkZjjAhVMLo8KHbaeC2kQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3e4Gib8bbdanDAS87pBEc3">Kane </a>has his own unique style... Brendon would want to set very attacking fields throughout the whole match and Kane would pick his moments when he wants to attack," said Taylor.

Taylor said he expected a high-scoring match at The Riverside Ground after Sri Lanka beat West Indies by 23 runs at the same venue on Monday, with both teams scoring 300-plus runs.

"I think it will be a good wicket," Taylor added. "I think we saw yesterday (in the) Sri Lanka-West Indies (game), 300 played 300. So I think we've got to expect... scores of 300-plus.

"But in saying that, both teams have got very good bowling lineups that can exploit conditions if suited and vice versa some very powerful batting lineups as well."

A win against <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-england-end-indias-unbeaten-run-to-revive-semis-hopes-231858&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjl5LT4kZjjAhVZinAKHcg8CswQFjABegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0P3LpmRK4ucDwqMrAk4xc2">England </a>will seal a semi-final spot for the Kiwis but - placed three points behind Australia - they cannot top the standings.

However, Taylor said a top-four finish was their primary target and not their seeding for the semi-final fixtures.

"We said at the start of the tournament, it doesn't matter if you go on as the first seed or the fourth seed as long as you make the semi-finals," the 35-year-old said.

"Once you make the semi-finals, you know you are only two games away," Taylor said.

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson is a "world-class" leader and pundits should not brand him as timid or cautious after the Kiwis lost their last two matches at the Cricket World Cup, batsman Ross Taylor said on Tuesday.

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson is a "world-class" leader and pundits should not brand him as timid or cautious after the Kiwis lost their last two matches at the Cricket World Cup, batsman Ross Taylor said on Tuesday. New Zealand were firm favourites to become the first team to seal a semi-final spot after winning five matches in a row but consecutive losses to Pakistan and Australia have left Williamson's side in third place with one game to go. British media have picked on Williamson's sedate captaincy style which they said was in stark contrast to former captain Brendon McCullum's gung-ho approach but Taylor said he was not concerned by the reaction from pundits. "I think Kane is a fantastic world-class batsman and a world-class captain," he told reporters ahead of Wednesday's match against England. "You don't have to look far, the last couple of matches.'' "There are some pundits out there saying he was a great captain. We lose a couple of games and he is a bad captain. He is still a great captain, leads from the front and the team respect him and I love playing under him.'' "I played under many different captains, Brendon was the extreme and Kane has his own unique style... Brendon would want to set very attacking fields throughout the whole match and Kane would pick his moments when he wants to attack," said Taylor. Taylor said he expected a high-scoring match at The Riverside Ground after Sri Lanka beat West Indies by 23 runs at the same venue on Monday, with both teams scoring 300-plus runs. "I think it will be a good wicket," Taylor added. "I think we saw yesterday (in the) Sri Lanka-West Indies (game), 300 played 300. So I think we've got to expect... scores of 300-plus. "But in saying that, both teams have got very good bowling lineups that can exploit conditions if suited and vice versa some very powerful batting lineups as well." A win against England will seal a semi-final spot for the Kiwis but - placed three points behind Australia - they cannot top the standings. However, Taylor said a top-four finish was their primary target and not their seeding for the semi-final fixtures. "We said at the start of the tournament, it doesn't matter if you go on as the first seed or the fourth seed as long as you make the semi-finals," the 35-year-old said. "Once you make the semi-finals, you know you are only two games away," Taylor said.

Ross Taylor slams skipper Kane Williamson's critics ahead of New Zealand vs England clash

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