New Zealnd beat India in a close Encounter

India's aim of making it to Semi-finals got a jolt, as the team crashed to a 10-run defeat to New Zealand in the first Super 8 match. India won the toss and elected to field first. Indian bowlers had a firm grip on the match for the first 15 overs. However, last five overs of the New Zealand inning snatched the match from India. New Zealand made 190 in 20 overs. Brendon McCullum made 45, while McMillan scored a hurricane 44. Jacob Oram contributed 35 runs.

India started the run chase on a brilliant note. Openers Sehwag and Gambhir put up 76 runs for the first wicket. New Zealand bowlers looked helpless when they were at the crease. However, after their departure, Daniel Vettori led the charge and put India on back foot again. India finally finished at 180/9 in 20 overs and lost the match by 10 runs. Sehwag scored 40, while Gambhir made 51. Dhoni contributed 24. Vettori displayed a spectacular performance by taking 4 wickets for just 20 runs.