5 Direct hits that have changed games in World Cups

#2 Ravindra Jadeja's direct hit to get Ross Taylor out

India vs New Zealand, ICC World Cup 2019

New Zealand 239-8 (50.0) beat India 221-10 (49.5)

India v New Zealand - ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Semi-Final

An astute bowler, a swashbuckling batsman, and a live-wire on the field -- Jadeja is an asset for any team. Against New Zealand in the World Cup semis, Jadeja again proved his worth. A breathtaking knock to get India excruciatingly close to the finish line was combined with a superb catch, the wicket of Henry Nicholls and an unbelievable run-out to get the well-set Ross Taylor out.

Taylor, playing on 73, played the ball to the deep square-leg region and attempted a couple but fell short. The quick and accurate Jadeja scored a direct-hit with just one stump to aim at.

That direct hit by Jadeja broke the stumps into bits and pieces.#BringItHome #INDvNZ ICC #CWC19 @imjadeja pic.twitter.com/hjdflg7tzc

— Hotstar (@hotstartweets) July 10, 2019

#3 Rohit Sharma's direct hit to get Justin Kemp out

India Vs South Africa, ICC T20 World Cup 2007

India 153-5 (20.0) beat SA 116-9 (20.0)

It was a crucial match that the young Indian side had to win by a certain margin in order to qualify for the semis. MS Dhoni's side took the challenge in their stride and played sensational cricket, not just winning the game comprehensively but also evicting SA from the World Cup.

Rohit Sharma's gritty knock and brilliance in the field to get the powerful Justin Kemp out, a marauding RP Singh and Dinesh Kartik's superhuman catch were the highlights of India's crushing win over South Africa.

Watch Rohit's direct hit from 13.04: