India appears unbeatable in the ongoing World Cup. Despite facing criticism before the marquee event, the team has performed like champions, winning all 9 matches in the league stage. India's campaign resembles Australia's undefeated runs in 2003 and 2007, hinting at a potential World Cup victory.
The team is experiencing a synergy at the right moment. Rohit Sharma has been outstanding as both captain and a formidable opening batter. Virat Kohli has been prolific, amassing 594 runs in 9 matches. Unlike 2019, the middle-order looks robust with Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul in good form.
Hardik Pandya's absence hasn't caused panic; instead, the team has gained clarity on player roles, opting for a five-frontline-bowler strategy, including all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. India's bowling unit, led by Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj, has been formidable, with spinners Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav making a masterful impact.
Despite the advantage of a home crowd at the Wankhede Stadium, India faces the challenge of starting fresh against New Zealand in the semi-finals, with historical records not favouring the Men In Blue.
India and New Zealand have faced off 13 times in ICC white-ball cricket events, with the Men in Blue securing only 4 victories. While India recently triumphed over New Zealand in Dharamsala, the BlackCaps provided the toughest challenge during India's dominant run in the league stage.
The 2019 World Cup semi-final remain unforgettable. India entered the semi-finals in Manchester after topping the league stage. New Zealand didn't rely on extraordinary tactics; they executed the basics flawlessly. Reading the pitch well, they posted 239 after opting to bat. Despite rain pushing the game to the Reserve Day, New Zealand maintained composure, implementing effective bowling plans against India.
In challenging conditions, Matt Henry and Trent Boult wreaked havoc, reducing India to 5/3 with early dismissals of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul. Ravindra Jadeja fought hard with 77, and MS Dhoni's half-century brought India close, but his run-out sealed New Zealand's 18-run victory.
In another ICC white-ball knockout, New Zealand successfully chased 265 against a Sourav Ganguly-led side in Nairobi.
Under Stephen Fleming's captaincy, New Zealand won the toss and chose to field. Sourav Ganguly's 117 and Sachin Tendulkar's 69 powered India to 264. Despite a promising start at 202 for 1, India collapsed, losing their last 5 wickets for just 62 runs.
Led by Venkatesh Prasad, India's bowling attack claimed early wickets, but a remarkable 102 not out from all-rounder Chris Cairns guided New Zealand to win in the ICC Knockout Trophy.
IND vs NZ in ICC WHITE-BALL TOURNAMENTS
1975 World Cup: India lost by 4 wickets in Manchester
1979 World Cup: India lost by 8 wickets in Leeds
1987 World Cup: India won by 16 runs in Bengaluru
1987 World Cup: India won by 9 wickets in Nagpur
1992 World Cup: India lost by 4 wickets in Dunedin
1999 World Cup: India lost by 5 wickets in Nottingham
2000 Champions Trophy: India lost by 4 wickets in Nairobi (Final)
2003 World Cup: India won by 7 wickets in Centurion
2007 T20 World Cup: India lost by 10 runs n Johannesburg
2016 T20 World Cup: India lost by 47 runs in Nagpur
2019 World Cup: No result
2019 World Cup: Lost by 18 runs in Manchester (semi-final)
2021 T20 World Cup: Lost by 8 wickets in Dubai
2023 World Cup: Won by 4 wickets in Dharamsala
India is undoubtedly the favourite for the 2023 World Cup semi-finals, but underestimating New Zealand would be a mistake. Despite a less dominant run, the BlackCaps secured a spot by defeating Sri Lanka after losing four consecutive matches and are ready to pose a significant challenge to India.
(Powered by AI, Inputs by India Today)
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