New Delhi:
Virat Kohli’s Indian cricket team were expected to march into the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 against a New Zealand side that had lost three leagues games on the trot. On a sluggish pitch, New Zealand managed to put up a fighting total of 239/8 with Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson registering fifties. During India's innings, Matt Henry removed Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul cheaply while Trent Boult got rid of Virat Kohli for 1. When Dinesh Karthik fell for 6, India was in trouble. However, Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni held their nerves and continued to keep India in game. The duo registered a partnership of 116 runs, however, it wasn't enough.
With 37 runs needed, Jadeja miscued his shot in the 48th over to be out for 77. His knock came off 59 deliveries laced with 4 sixes and as many boundaries. His departure led the eyes shift to MS Dhoni, who has been India's man in crunch situations. In 50 games, where he has remained not out, he has helped India cross the winning line 47 times.
The equation in the last two overs came down to 31 runs off 12 deliveries, and one has to say, that only MS Dhoni could have taken India over the line. He started the 49th over on a perfect note by dispatching Lockie Ferguson for a six. However, on the third ball of the over, Lockie bowled a short of a length delivery and Dhoni tried to play it through leg side. With fielder standing near the boundary rope, Dhoni tried to collect two runs, which from a distance looked possible.
However, Martin Guptill, who has had a forgettable World Cup so far with bat, has been extraordinary on field and he showed his class once again as he hit the stump just in time to send India's last hope back to the pavilion.
This incident turned out to be nothing but shock for an ardent Indian cricket fan, who was watching the encounter from his workplace. The Cycle shop owner Srikanta Maity, aged 33, died due to heart attack in his shop immediately after MS Dhoni got run out on Wednesday. Reportedly, he was watching the game on his phone.
“We rushed to his help on hearing a loud thud. We saw him lying unconscious on the floor. We took him to Khanakul hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival,” said Sachin Ghosh, a sweet shop owner in the area.
