On Sunday, Team India will face off against New Zealand, the only other undefeated team in the 2023 ODI World Cup, at the Himachal Pradesh Association Stadium in Dharamshala. These two teams have a storied history in ICC events and both will be eager to maintain their unbeaten streaks in this ongoing competition.
India and New Zealand have performed exceptionally well in their first four matches, displaying a strong net run rate and accumulating valuable points. The Indian team has successfully executed their preferred style of play by consistently winning their matches through successful chases.
In contrast, the Blackcaps have once again showcased their impressive performance in another ICC event. Remarkably, even without key players such as Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, and Ish Sodhi, they have displayed exceptional ease and confidence on the field.
While the New Zealand cricket team has played exceptionally well in recent matches against the Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, it is important to note that these opponents may not provide the same level of challenge as other teams. Therefore, their true test is still to come.
In World Cups, the Men in Blue had a dismal record against New Zealand. While there is no convincing reason for why this has occurred on a regular basis, Team India can ensure that history does not repeat itself if they play their cards well.
On that topic, here are three things India must do correctly in order to defeat New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup.
1. Don’t let New Zealand batters get comfortable in the crease
In the absence of Hardik Pandya, Team India is set to field a reformed playing XI, giving them a respectable speed bowling assault. There have been suggestions for Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami to bat together, particularly considering the hitters are in terrific form.
Dharamshala is undoubtedly the best place in India to deploy three full-fledged pacers. The trio will discover swing, seam, and bounce with the new ball, and the opening powerplay will be critical as a consequence.
India has been exceptional in the middle overs, and their ability to strike during that portion of the innings has resulted in opponents producing lower-than-par totals. While the spinners – Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja – have naturally established themselves in the middle overs, Rohit Sharma has also been terrific at times in adding speed.
hitters have been disturbed by Siraj’s cross seam deliveries with the old ball, while Bumrah has put substantial pressure on hitters with his accuracy and variations.
2. Dealing with left-arm spin: The right strategy for India
The left-arm spin pair of Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner, particularly the latter, will pose one of the most serious challenges to the Men in Blue.
The Indian batsmen’ struggles against left-arm spin have been well known, and Santner is in good form. Despite not being the best ball turner, he has made the most of the subcontinent conditions.
To win the competition, Team India would need to outperform the two. Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul have been great against spin in recent years, and as a left-field alternative, they may even contemplate upgrading Ravindra Jadeja, who is the setup’s only left-handed batter.
3. The best way to negotiate the threat from pacers in the beginning
The most visible of them all, but also possibly the most crucial. The Indian hitters passed the test against Pakistani pacers with flying colors, dominating from the start and cruising to a seven-wicket victory.
However, the circumstances in this situation are a little different. When opposed to Ahmedabad, the conditions at Dharamsala benefit the pacers, and the New Zealand bowlers are also in better shape.
Trent Boult has been doing his thing, moving the new ball and taking early wickets. Matt Henry has been an ideal companion on the other end, getting the ball to travel predominantly off the surface to worry batters while also providing bounce. Lockie Ferguson completes the troika by bringing a completely distinct, yet vital set of qualities.
He has six wickets in his past two encounters, unsettling hitters with his blistering speed in the middle overs. Despite the fact that he does not appear to be a ‘early danger,’ he is still a prospect that batters must contend with.
