World Cup 2019: The best batting performances of the tournament

#3 Ravindra Jadeja - 77 vs New Zealand (Semi-final 1)

Ravindra Jadeja gave the Kiwis a big run for their money

Ravindra Jadeja was the 'super sub' of India in the initial stages of the tournament, making a great impact with his fielding. He managed to break into the playing XI towards the business end of the tournament and was entrusted in the crucial semi-final match against New Zealand.

Jadeja walked in to bat at a precarious situation of 92-6, with 148 runs still needed for victory. When it seemed that the Indian challenge had come to an end, Jadeja took the attack back to the opposition. After getting an eye in, he started attacking all the Kiwi bowlers. He proved to be the much-needed catalyst to the scoreboard and allowed MS Dhoni to hold one end with a steady approach.

The southpaw took calculative risks, hitting shots as per the field placements, unlike the middle order batsmen. He scored a brisk 77 off 59 balls, with four boundaries and sixes apiece. Jadeja ultimately lost his wicket to Trent Boult, in a bid to accelerate the innings, with the equation of 32 runs off 15 balls. Though he could not take India across the line, he played a stoic knock and gave the Kiwis a massive run for their money.