World Cup 2019: “Be Proud”- Shibani Dandekar to a disconsolate James Neesham after New Zealand’s loss

Disappointment engulfed New Zealand at the Lord’s Cricket Ground – the Home of Cricket. The Black Caps, captained by Kane Williamson, fought valiantly, but couldn’t get over the line in the final on Sunday. The match went right down to the Super Over where the Kiwis faltered. Though they managed to tie the one-over eliminator, the Three Lions prevailed in the cliffhanger.

The same was for the reason that the Brits smacked more number of boundaries than Kiwis. New Zealand lost the 2015 World Cup under the leadership of Brendon McCullum, who was seen in the commentary box on July 14 and was ever so close to making amends. However, Williamson & Co. fell short of scripting glory. After the defeat James Neesham, their all-rounder was distraught.

The left-hander picked up three wickets in the game and then scored 13 runs off five deliveries in the Super Over to take the Kiwis to the threshold of victory. He smacked Jofra Archer over deep mid-wicket and brought the target down to seven from four balls. Martin Guptill faced the last delivery with two runs needed. To their utter disappointment, Guptill was run out while taking the second run.

Shibani Dandekar motivates James Neesham

After the heartbreaking defeat in the final hurdle, a dejected Neesham took to Twitter and wrote, “Thank you to all the supporters that came out today. We could hear you the whole way. Sorry, we couldn’t deliver what you so badly wanted.” In the tournament, Neesham scored 232 runs at 33.14 with a top score of unbeaten 97 against Pakistan in Birmingham. He also picked up 15 wickets in the tournament.

In the meantime, Shibani Dandekar, the Indian actress and model, had some words of appreciation for Neesham for his valiant efforts under immense pressure. The 38-year-old said that both teams fought tooth and nail until their last breath and she was awe-struck by the quality of cricket.

She replied on Neesham’s tweet and wrote, “You delivered that and more!! Exhilarating display till the very end! Two incredible teams that showed up and served quality cricket till the end! Both winners in my opinion! Best final EVER! you should be so proud,”

Here is Dandekar’s reply

You delivered that and more!! Exhilarating display til the very end! Two incredible teams that showed up and served quality cricket til the end! Both winners in my opinion! Best final EVER! you should be so proud