Redemption day or a day where the Kiwis edge closer to scripting ODI World Cup history?
With less than 24 hours to go for the first semifinal, the heart beat of the Indian fans beat over 90. The haunt of 2019 ODI World Cup semifinal is still fresh in every Indian fan’s mind even when all of us witnessed a classy victory against the Kiwis in league stages.
Every run out since then feels as if it’s MS Dhoni’s run out. However, even after this, one thing that has remained constant is hope. Yes, hope that things will turn around, and we will make it to the finals of ODI World Cup.
Through google, expert analysis and even through this article, the only thing that the fans of the host nation want to know is – whether India can beat New Zealand in this semi final?
Let us examine some factors before we indulge in crystal ball gazing, shall we?
Head to Head
The numbers certainly back the Kiwis. India and New Zealand have played against each other in ODI World Cup 9 times, out of which 5 have went in favour of Kiwis, while India has managed 4 wins including 2023 World Cup win in the league stages.
Weather & Pitch
The weather is unlikely to play a spoilsport while the pitch is expected to have seam but still, it should be a good wicket to bat on. Team winning the toss will look to bat first and put some runs on the board. With knockout game on cards, it’s fair to assume that putting runs on the board will add pressure on the opposition.
Team Analysis
India
It looks unlikely that the Indian team will make any changes to their side unless of course the Hitman decides a wild call or two. With Mohammad Shami adding the value with ball and Surya contributing in all three facets of the game, it’s certain that India will step onto the field with same playing 11 that featured against Netherlands.
Probable 11
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Shami, Mohammad Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav.
New Zealand
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that New Zealand will love those conditions and are unlikely to make any changes to the side, especially when they managed to win their last league match.
Probable 11
Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell, Santner, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Glenn Philips, Ferguson, Mark Chapman
Who is likely to win?
Well, even when the odds favour the Kiwis in the knockouts, India looks more balanced side in the ODI World Cup thus far. With crowd support and current belief flowing well in India’s camp, it looks like that Indian team finally will break the jinx and make it 10 wins out of 10 games in the ongoing World Cup.
image source- Jansatta
