Kamran Akmal lauds New Zealand for being the first finalist of the 2019 World Cup

New Zealand came into the 2019 World Cup as the dark horses and not many gave them a chance to qualify for the finals. However, Kane Williamson & Co soared above the expectations and indeed progressed to the final of the mega event. The vibrant Black Caps beat Virat Kohli’s India, who were deemed to be the favourites, by 18 runs at the Old Trafford in Manchester.

After going six games without a defeat in the league stage, the Black Caps lost their last three matches in the main round versus Pakistan, Australia and England. Just when they looked out of gas, the Kiwis pulled off the stunner against the Men in Blue on the night that really mattered. Martin Guptill didn’t have the best of tournaments with the bat but effected a stunning run-out in the crunch moments of the game, that of MS Dhoni to seal the fate of the semis.

Captain Kane inspired the team with a couple of match-winning tons and collective efforts from the rest of the members worked wonders. For India, their World Cup campaign came to an end. The Men in Blue finished on top of the points table with 15 points from nine matches. As far as the semis is concerned, they were asked to chase down 240 on what turned out to be a rather sluggish wicket.

India knocked out of World Cup

Rohit Sharma, Kohli, KL Rahul and Dinesh Karthik couldn’t survive the heat and got out on single-digit scores. Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant also threw their wickets away after getting into the 30s. Thereafter, Dhoni (49) and Ravindra Jadeja (77) tried their hearts out with a 106-run stand, but their efforts went in vain. The task turned out to be too uphill after the early wickets.

For the time being, while New Zealand hones their skills for the final on July 14, India goes back dejected. In the meantime, Kamran Akmal, the Pakistan cricketer, lauded the Black Caps for the convincing triumph. The veteran also appreciated India for their determined approach with their backs to the wall.

Akmal wrote, “Congratulations to NewZealand team for a very convincing victory & for being first finalist #CWC2019 commiserations to team India put some good fight #INDvsNZ #CWC19,”

Here is Akmal’s tweet