World Cup | 'This one match doesn't define our team': Netizens stand by Team India amid heartbreaking semifinal loss to New Zealand

New Zealand defeated India by 18 runs in the first semifinal of World Cup 2019 at Old Trafford on Wednesday and became the first team to qualify for the finals.

The match was a ‘tale of two days’ as it was scheduled to be played on Tuesday but was washed off by rain. Thanks to a reserve day the match started from where it had ended on Tuesday. 

The Kiwis skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to bat first. New Zealand scored 211/5 in 46.1 overs before the match was suspended for the day and added 28 runs on Wednesday, setting a target of 240 for the Men In Blue to chase.

India's run chase of 240 against New Zealand started off on a disastrous note as they were reduced to 5/3 in the fourth over, riding on some brilliant spells from the Kiwi pacers Trent Boult and Matt Henry. Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant got good starts but couldn’t capitalise. Ravindra Jadeja came to the crease and along with MS Dhoni put up a sensational partnership that almost brought India to the finish line. 

Here’s how cricket experts, netizens and fans reacted to India’s defeat.

See the reactions here:

The 'Voice of Indian Cricket' Harsha Bhogle thanked the Indian fans for making the tournament exciting.

 Former cricketer, VVS Lakshman applauded Dhoni and Jadeja's effort. He congratulated the Blackcaps for qualifying and was impressed by their bowling

Sanjay Manjrekar called Team India champions.

Here are some netizens' reactions:

The fans still back the Men In Blue for giving them a memorable World Cup campaign.

India might have lost the match but Jadeja won the fans' heart.

The fabs believe Dhoni's runout took the game away from India.

This doesn't change anything. fans will forever support the Men In Blue. irrespective of the results.