New Zealand and India are gearing up for the high-octane ODI World Cup semifinal which is set to be played at the iconic Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on November 15, Wednesday. While India are looking to end their 10-year-long hoodoo of ICC trophy, New Zealand will be aiming for a coveted World Cup final spot.
Meanwhile New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson talked about the crunch World Cup semifinal against India in the pre-match press-conference on Tuesday, November 14. Williamson beamed with confidence on New Zealand's chances of winning citing the brand of cricket they have displayed in the group stage of the ongoing World Cup 2023. However, he didn't shy away to admit that it’s going to be a tough challenge against India.
“It’s good, yeah. Not many people get the chance to play cricket in this stadium and on this occasion. It’s going to be a tough challenge. They are playing some good cricket but it’s all about one day. We have played some good cricket. We are excited,” Williamson said in the pre-match press conference.
Williamson also spoke about Suryakumar Yadav who will be playing at his home ground and has a great track record at the Wankhede venue.
“Great player, great stroke maker. He knows the venue well. But we want to focus on our cricket,” Williamson added.
On asked about Kyle Jamieson's chances of making it to the New Zealand's playing XI, Williamson said," We’ll have to look at the surface and assess from here.”
Notably, Jamieson was included in the New Zealand squad after Matt Henry got ruled out of the World Cup 2023 midway after picking injury. Earlier, Lockie Ferguson also rued Henry's absence and said,"Matt Henry is obviously a big hole in our side and we’re still a handsome bunch without Matt Henry".
India and New Zealand have earlier locked horns with each other in the World Cup 2023 when Rohit Sharma's brigade thrashed them by four wickets.
Notably, New Zealand are the only team to have always found themselves in the World Cup semifinals since 2007. Kane Williamson's men were the runners up in the last edition as they suffered a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of England in the summit clash.
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