'Unbelievable': Cricket world in shock over unthinkable World Cup drama

New Zealand have reached their second successive World Cup final after dramatically beating India by 18 runs at Old Trafford.

Star batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli misfired as India's top-three batsmen made just one run apiece, as they lurched to 4-24 and then 6-92 chasing 240 on the reserve day due to heavy rain on Thursday.

Jadeja's pyrotechnics gave India a fleeting hope but he departed with 32 required off 13 balls before MS Dhoni was run out for 50 from 72 deliveries as the Asian giants were skittled for 221 from 49.3 overs.

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’s horror start

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 Trent Boult and though Dhoni attempted to up the ante, the veteran was run out following a direct hit from Martin Guptill in the penultimate over as India's hopes vanished.

"We spoke about the conditions during the interval, we wanted to put the ball in good areas and move the ball around and put some pressure on India, they are a world-class side," said Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson.

"With the new ball, our bowlers tried to move the ball off the seam or in the air. We knew we need to put pressure on that world class batting line-up of India

"It was a great start from the bowlers, we knew it would get tougher for us as the innings went on. We showed plenty of heart and the fielders and bowlers were outstanding."

The Kiwis had lost their last three games in the group stage, which was topped by India, who themselves suffered only one defeat.

But Williamson said he was not surprised to see his team come through to set up a final on Sunday against England or Australia.

"You come to this tournament where anybody can beat anybody. We saw a number of results that perhaps where sides ranked lower beat sides ranked higher, but I think everybody knew that anybody can beat anybody," he said.

"We came through in the fourth position, which is fine. And then we put out a much-improved performance in the semi-final and it is important for us to try and make small improvements moving into our next match.

The cricket world was left in a state of shock as India crashed out.

with AAP