Martin Guptill has not made any significant contribution with the bat in the World Cup 2019. But, his direct hit in the semi-final to dismiss Dhoni is his most significant contribution to New Zealand’s World Cup campaign.
After Jadeja fell in the 48th over, Dhoni was India’s last hope of qualifying for the finals. However, the fastest runner between the wickets had a bad day and Guptill got a direct hit as Dhoni’s end with the bat just inches away from the crease.
Guptill was really lucky to have got the direct hit on point according to a video posted on Twitter by International Cricket Council (ICC).
He said, “I did not think the ball was actually coming to me, I tried to get there as soon as I could. Once I got hold of the ball, I thought it was actually quite straight. Lucky enough to get a direct hit from out there, lucky for us he was out of his ground.”
Here is the video:
"Lucky enough to get a direct hit from out there" – New Zealand's @Martyguptill on his ⚡ ️throw to dismiss MS Dhoni in the #CWC19 semi-final against India. #BackTheBlackCaps pic.twitter.com/GnerDahQgQ
— ICC (@ICC) July 11, 2019
The dismissal of the most experienced man in the Indian team left the crowd stunned and many of them could not believe what they had witnessed. Just a few minutes later, India was officially out of the World Cup and the fans couldn’t stop themselves from letting their disappointment show.
Here is the moment Indian fans' hearts broke:
???? Martin Guptill's run out of MS Dhoni gets better with every watch. #INDvsNZ #CWC19
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOE_UK) July 10, 2019
(???? @ICC)pic.twitter.com/qhb7uQDBiZ
New Zealand will take on the hosts England on 14 July 2019 at Lord’s in the final.
