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'It's cheating': Fans fume over 'illegal' moment in World Cup semi-final

Indian fans have erupted after a TV graphic appeared to show an illegal move from New Zealand moments before Martin Guptill’s key runout of MS Dhoni late in their semi-final clash.

New Zealand reached their second-successive World Cup final on Wednesday in a dramatic 18-run win at Old Trafford.

Ravi Jadeja's pyrotechnics gave India a fleeting hope, but he departed with 32 required off 13 balls before Dhoni was run out for 50 from 72 deliveries to kill off their chances.

With Dhoni scrambling back for a second run, Guptill charged in from the backward square leg boundary and produced a brilliant direct hit to send the Indian keeper on his way.

MS Dhoni was run out after an incredible throw from Martin Guptill. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images)
MS Dhoni is run out after an incredible throw. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images)

However was Guptill allowed to be fielding there?

Moments before the dismissal, bowler Lachie Ferguson consulted with Trent Boult and decided to send the short fine leg fielder back to the boundary.

A graphic of the field placings then showed New Zealand with six men on the boundary, when they were only allowed five at that stage of the game.

The fielder at third man needed to come up inside the circle to avoid a no-ball, but it wasn’t clear whether he did so.

Fans were absolutely fuming when Dhoni was dismissed seconds later, believing it should have been a no-ball.

Even though you can be runout on a no-ball, some thought Dhoni wouldn’t have attempted the fateful run had Guptill not been on the boundary.

"This is a matter of serious concern," one Twitter user said.

"If Guptill was inside the circle, there would have been a possibility that he wouldn't have been run out."

Others thought skipper Kane Williamson had indeed brought the third man fielder up but the TV coverage just didn’t show it.

Unthinkable upset

The Kiwis will now face England or Australia in Sunday's showpiece at Lord's after successfully defending 8-239, their watchful approach on Tuesday vindicated following India's struggles.

Ross Taylor top-scored with 74 from 90 balls as the Black Caps added 28 runs in the remaining 3.5 overs of their innings, deferred until Wednesday morning because of persistent rain on Tuesday afternoon.

India made an abject start to their reply, losing three wickets in the space of 11 balls, including the prize scalps of Rohit and Kohli, who had contributed in excess of 1,000 runs in the group stage.

Jadeja, batting for the first time in the tournament, put on a World Cup record 116 for the seventh wicket alongside the more subdued Dhoni, who was content to defer the big-hitting responsibilities to his junior partner.

Jadeja obliged, clubbing four fours and as many sixes, before holing out to long-off off as India's hopes vanished.

with AAP