Even though two countries haven’t been mathematically eliminated yet, the 2023 World Cup semifinal matchups are effectively already set.
With their convincing victory over Sri Lanka, New Zealand significantly increased their net run rate and virtually eliminated Pakistan from contention for the last four. Afghanistan hasn’t been officially eliminated either, but after their humiliating loss to Australia, their hopes are now reduced to the craziest of scenarios.
It is highly likely that India will be pitted against New Zealand in the semi final at Mumbais Wankhede Stadium, on Wednesday, November 15th. The Indian team has showcased dominance throughout the tournament far but they might not be thrilled about facing the Blackcaps in the knockout stage.
India will not be pleased to play New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup semifinals for the following three reasons.
1. New Zealand’s risk-free cricket makes them perfect for pressure games
Unlike India and captain Rohit Sharma, who play a style of cricket with a lot of risks and rewards New Zealand has always been known for their conservative approach. This strategy may not always result in success, during round robin matches. It works well in high pressure games like semifinals and finals.
While the Kiwis have fallen short in the two World Cup finals one of them was due, to Brendon McCullum getting out early. The other was simply a stroke of bad luck.
A strong top three is formed by Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Kane Williamson, with Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, and Mark Chapman providing insurance.
New Zealand has strong principles that nearly always carry them through difficult conditions. They seldom get the fundamentals wrong, and their style of play allows them to keep things simple. In that regard, the Blackcaps might be India’s kryptonite.
2. Wankhede Stadium could suit the Kiwi pacers
The previous two matches at Wankhede Stadium have confirmed that it is one of the most pace-friendly grounds in the country.
India ripped through the opposing order against Sri Lanka, with Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami all impressing. Under the lights, all three pacers produced noticeable movement in both directions.
Then, in the Australia vs. Afghanistan match, Naveen-ul-Haq and Azmatullah Omarzai got the ball to talk and reduced Australia to four down before Glenn Maxwell did.
Despite the absence of Matt Henry from the current New Zealand XI, Trent Boult had a three-for in the previous game. Tim Southee is incredibly steady and bankable, while Lockie Ferguson adds an aggressive and fiery third dimension.
The Kiwis could enjoy bowling in the Wankhede stadium, especially under the lights, and taking on India’s legendary top order. They’ve already done it…
3. India struggle against history, including 2019, in the World Cup semifinal
It is still vivid in our memories the 2019 World Cup semi-final, where New Zealand crushed the Indian top order to rubble before making it to the final. What happened that night and its aftermath will be well known to the Men in Blue, and it is something that they will never easily forget.
In the past the Kiwis have generally performed better, than India in ICC events. Until their victory over New Zealand in the round robin stage the 2011 World Cup champions hadn’t defeated their rivals in an ICC event for twenty years.
Currently New Zealand has an advantage over India with a 5 4 lead in World Cup encounters a 1 0 lead in Champions Trophy clashes, a 3 0 lead in T20 World Cup meetings and a 3 1 lead, in World Test Championship matches.
Rohit Sharma and his team face a battle as they prepare for their challenge so far in the 2023 World Cup.
