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With current calculations pointing towards a potential ODI World Cup semifinal clash between India and New Zealand in Mumbai, Kiwi pacer Trent Boult expressed hope that India's aggressive playing style might offer opportunities for his team to disrupt the hosts' red-hot run. Following a convincing five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, New Zealand has positioned itself favourably for the last four with 10 points and a superior net run rate of +0.743.
Boult acknowledged India's positive and attacking cricket, suggesting that such an approach could create chances for New Zealand. However, he emphasized that his team would approach the game with a clear strategy. The prospect of facing India in the semifinals, especially in their home territory, excited Boult. He recalled the 2019 semifinals in Manchester, where New Zealand emerged victorious by 18 runs, and anticipated a thrilling challenge.
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“They (India) are playing a positive style of cricket and I suppose playing shots does present chances. But we're going to be very clear with how we're going to tackle that game,” said Boult in the post-match press conference. “I think there'll be a lot of excitement and the prospect of that challenge … as I said it doesn't get any bigger than taking on India in front of 1.5 billion people. Yeah, it's very exciting,” he added.
Facing India in the league stage, New Zealand suffered a four-wicket defeat in Dharamsala while defending a target of 274. Boult, however, believes that the experience of playing against India earlier in the tournament will benefit them in the semifinals.
“We’ve played India a lot of times. Quality players know these conditions very well. History suggests it's a good wicket (at Wankhede) and, yeah, nice to have come up against them in Dharamshala. It was a totally different ground and different facilities, but, yeah, we'll turn our focus to that challenge. Pressure does things to the best of players at any time. So, just look forward to taking that on,” he said.
As New Zealand looks ahead to the potential semifinal clash with India, Boult remains optimistic about the challenge and is eager to capitalize on any opportunities presented by India's attacking approach. The anticipation is building for a high-stakes encounter between two formidable cricketing nations in the World Cup.
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