India v New Zealand

At Nottingham, June 12. New Zealand won by five wickets. Toss: India.

A victory for Antipodean grit over subcontinental flair saw New Zealand through to the semi-finals. Although India had nothing but self-respect to play for, they managed a reasonable score: just once in 12 attempts during this tournament had a target of 250 proved insufficient, though that failure had been India's, in their opening game with South Africa. On a reliable surface, India might have got more, but one batting star after another got out after a couple of glorious strokes. The only one to hang around was Jadeja, who played the mid-innings overs with great circumspection. Caution was warranted against Allott, bowling with consistent menace and becoming the first man to claim 20 wickets in a single World Cup, but less so against his more anodyne colleagues.

New Zealand's openers began at nearly five an over, and they were always near the rate. Horne anchored the innings with an invaluable, if not wholly convincing, 74. Twose, meanwhile, was playing with Waugh-like determination. With 58 runs needed from 58 balls, a heavy shower halted proceedings for over an hour, but his concentration was unaffected. Exuberant Indian support upset the Trent Bridge authorities, who tried to dampen any hint of carnival atmosphere by requesting fans to reduce the excessive amount of noise. The announcement was loudly jeered.

Man of the Match: R. G. Twose. Attendance: 14,348.