India vs New Zealand Semi-Final, World Cup 2023: India's star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was adjudged as the best Fielder of the Match for the India vs New Zealand semi-final match in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 on Wednesday.
India defeated New Zealand by 70 runs in the first semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and reached their fourth final.
Suryakumar Yadav, who was the winner of the best fielder medal in India's previous match against the Netherlands, presented Jadeja the special medal this time in the intimate dressing room ceremony.
ALSO READ: South Africa vs Australia Live Score 2nd Semifinal, World Cup 2023
Before handing over the medal to Jadeja, Suryakumar said, "Cheete ki chaal, Baaz ki nazar, aur Royal Navghan ki fielding se koi nahi bach sakta."
Fielding coach T Dilip also commended KL Rahul for his performance in the semis. To see who won, though, Dilip requested the players to turn on the TV in the dressing room.
T Dilip named Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, and Jadeja as the three candidates to win the medal.
However, Jadeja emerged as the winner for taking three catches in the crucial moment against the Kiwis in Mumbai.
India were brilliant with the bat after opting to bat first as they posted a mammoth total of 397/4 in their 50 overs on the back of centuries from Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer.
While defending the target, the Men in Blue had a great start as they got the two early wickets.
However, things changed completely as Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell batted brilliantly and added 181 runs in a magnificent partnership for the third wicket.
India managed to find a few wickets in between but Mitchell who had reached his hundred was still at the crease.
In the 46th over, Mitchell attempted an attacking shot while looking for a boundary but only managed to find Ravindra Jadeja who made no mistake with the catch.
Mitchell departed after scoring 134 runs off 119 balls, smashing nine boundaries and seven sixes.
Jadeja then picked up two more catches, first Glenn Phillips found him off Jasprit Bumrah followed by Mark Chapman finding the star fielder at deep backward square leg during Kuldeep Yadav's over.
The three important catches turned the match in India's favor as they bowled the Blackcaps out in 48.5 overs to pick up their 20th win of the tournament.
Dilip also mentioned KL Rahul's effort behind the wickets as he took four catches in the match and also were brilliant with his insights to skipper Rohit Sharma when it came to DRS decisions.
India's opposition for the final is yet to be decided as South Africa and Australia square off in the second semi-final at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday.