New Delhi: Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s run-out in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final by New Zealand’s Martin Guptill remains a haunting memory for Indian cricket fans.
While Rohit Sharma and his team exacted revenge in the 2023 World Cup, the shadow of that 2019 defeat to New Zealand still lingers.
In the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025, both India and New Zealand have already secured their semi-final spots, having triumphed over Pakistan and Bangladesh, respectively.
They now face off in the last Group A match Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, which, with both teams already through, serves as a dead rubber.
However, neither side can afford to take their foot off the gas. Their fierce rivalry is the “real deal” for fans.
Ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 clash, ThePrint looks back at two unforgettable World Cup encounters—one that remains a heart-breaking memory, and the other, a dish of revenge served cold.
New Zealand’s stunning upset in 2019
The 2019 match, which was played over two days due to rain, saw Kane Williamson’s New Zealand pull off a stunning upset, knocking out the tournament favourites, India, and sending shockwaves through the cricketing world.
New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first, a decision that puzzled many given the overcast conditions at Old Trafford, Manchester.
The Indian bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, kept things tight, restricting the Kiwis’ scoring.
Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor played crucial knocks, anchoring the innings on a tricky surface. Just when New Zealand looked set to accelerate, rain interrupted play in the 46th over at 211/5. The match was pushed to the reserve day, adding to the drama.
When play resumed, New Zealand managed to add a few crucial runs, finishing at 239/8 in 50 overs. It wasn’t a daunting total, but given the pressure of a semi-final, it was competitive.
What followed was nothing short of a nightmare for Indian fans. The usually reliable top order crumbled like a house of cards. Matt Henry and Trent Boult bowled one of the finest new-ball spells in World Cup history.
Rohit Sharma edged one to the keeper for just one run, Virat Kohli, who was the captain back then, was trapped LBW by Boult for another single-digit score.
Within the first four overs, India was reeling at 5 for 3.
The middle order too collapsed, but Ravindra Jadeja and Dhoni’s partnership ignited hope.
Jadeja played one of the finest innings under pressure, smashing 77 off 59 balls. And, when he got out in the 48th over, all eyes were on Dhoni.
The former skipper was run out by a brilliant direct hit from Guptill. He walked back scoring a half century in 72 balls.
India was bowled out for 221, falling short by 18 runs.
For Indian fans, the pain of this loss lingered for years. It wasn’t just about losing a semi-final; it was about losing an opportunity to see Dhoni lift another World Cup.
That run-out marked the end of an era, making the defeat even more devastating.
At the time, few realised it would be Dhoni’s final ODI appearance. A year later, he announced his retirement from the format.
Reflecting on that moment, Dhoni later revealed in an interview “that run-out made it clear that it was my last day for India”.
India’s 2023 revenge
The last time these two sides met, India beat New Zealand by 70 runs in the semi-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
The opening pair provided a solid foundation, with Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma contributing valuable runs.
However, it was the middle order that took charge, with Virat Kohli’s composed knock anchoring the innings.
His 117-run contribution, along with Shreyas Iyer’s 105, propelled India to a mammoth total of 397/4 in 50 overs.
In reply, New Zealand’s chase got off to a steady start, but the pressure of the big occasion seemed to affect their batsmen.
India’s bowlers, led by Mohammed Shami, were relentless in their pursuit of wickets. Shami’s brilliant spell saw him claim key scalps, including the dangerous Devon Conway and Williamson.
The Black Caps’ middle order, which had been a strength throughout the tournament, struggled against India’s well-rounded bowling attack.
With New Zealand all-out at 327, India sealed a 70-run victory, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Now, for Rohit Sharma and his squad, the Champions Trophy encounter presents an opportunity to once again avenge the 2019 heartbreak and relive their 2023 World Cup semi-final victory.
Meanwhile, the Black Caps will be looking to bounce back and repeat their memorable 2019 triumph.
(Edited by Nida Fatima Siddiqui)
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