Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull is of the opinion that India enters the World Cup 2023 semi-final against the Kiwis as heavy favourites. The match is scheduled for 15 November at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, and Doull suggests that there is only one way for New Zealand to secure victory in this knockout clash.
In a conversation with Cricbuzz, Doull emphasised the importance of the toss for both teams in the semi-final. He stated that New Zealand's chances of defeating India depend on them batting first in Mumbai. The former pace bowler explained that the Mumbai pitch has been more favorable for the team batting first, with the ball swinging during the initial 10 overs under the lights.
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"It is crucial from New Zealand's point of view that they bat first. So winning the toss is going to be quite crucial for either side. We have seen that batting first in Mumbai is the best way to go. From New Zealand's point of view, more so. New Zealand will feel that a target around 300-mark is something that they can defend if they bowl well and put India under some pressure," Doull said on Cricbuzz ahead of the semi-final.
The India vs New Zealand clash is set to revisit the 2019 semi-final fixture. In that encounter, New Zealand swiftly dismantled India's top-order, securing a resounding victory. Doull mentioned that Indian fans would prefer not to recall such knockout performances from recent years. India has not clinched any ICC trophy since 2013 and aims to break the streak on home turf. As the only undefeated team in the tournament, India appears to be the strongest side, having covered all aspects of the game.
"No Indian fan wants to remember what happened in the last 12 years in knockout matches. But look, India go in as heavy favourites in the semi-final, they go in as the best team in the tournament. New Zealand, they just find a way, they find a way to fightback to play as a team. They will have to do that," Doull said on Cricbuzz.
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