New Zealand are in the Cricket World Cup final after winning a thrilling clash with India by 18 runs at Old Trafford. The Black Caps had looked to be in a dominant position after a superb opening spell from Matt Henry (3-37) left the Indians reeling on 24-4 chasing 240. But Ravindra Jadeja (77) and MS Dhoni (50) gave India hope with a stand of 116 for the seventh over. However, with the run rate rising both fell in the final overs to allow Kane Williamson's side to begin their celebrations. The game had started on Tuesday but had been moved to a reserve day after New Zealand had only played 46.5 overs of their innings before rain washed out the rest of the day. The Black Caps added 28 runs off the remaining 3.5 overs, with Ross Taylor adding seven to his overnight 67 before he was run out on 74. Henry then took centre stage as he dismissed openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, both for one, with captain Virat Kohli also falling for one, trapped leg before by Trent Boult, to leave India on 5-3. When Dinesh Karthik (6) was caught superbly by Jimmy Neesham off Henry the India innings was in turmoil. Rishabh Pant (32) and Hardik Pandya (32) tried to rebuild the innings, before Jadeja and Dhoni pushed India back into contention. Jadeja particularly was impressive as he struck four sixes in his 59-ball innings. But he was caught by Williamson off Boult, and when Dhoni was run out by a direct hit from Martin Guptill that effectively ended the contest. New Zealand, beaten finalists four years ago, will now look to go one better against either England or Australia in Sunday's final. England and Australia play their semi-final at Edgbaston on Thursday.
