Regional
His legacy reminds us of the importance of self-reliance, courage,...
India is gearing up to face New Zealand in the first semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, reviving memories of the heartbreak they suffered in the...
Digital Desk: In a high-stakes showdown, India is gearing up to face New Zealand in the first semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, reviving memories of the heartbreak they suffered in the same fixture during the 2019 edition.
This time around, Team India is on a mission to rewrite history, having dominated the group stage as the only unbeaten side in the tournament. In contrast, New Zealand secured their spot in the semi-finals with five wins from nine matches.
The group stage clash between the two teams took place on October 22, where India emerged victorious by four wickets, setting the stage for a gripping semi-final encounter.
The iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai will host this crucial match, which is scheduled to commence at 2 pm local time. The pitch report suggests that the toss could play a pivotal role, with teams likely to opt for fielding first, given the advantage it has provided throughout the tournament. The Wankhede pitch is renowned for generating formidable bounce, and dew could become a significant factor as the game progresses.
Also Read : IND vs NZ ODI World Cup 2023 Semifinal: Check Probable Playing XIs
Despite being batter-friendly, the Wankhede pitch has witnessed teams posting imposing totals in the World Cup so far, adding an extra layer of excitement to the encounter.
As for the weather, AccuWeather predicts mostly sunny conditions with just a one percent chance of precipitation, eliminating the risk of rain disrupting the semi-final. Humidity is expected to be around 30 percent, and temperatures will fluctuate between 36°C during the day and 25°C at night.
Leading the run-scoring charts in the World Cup is India's Virat Kohli, amassing an impressive 594 runs in nine matches at an average of 99. Meanwhile, New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra sits in third place, having scored 565 runs at an average of 70.62.
On the bowling front, India's Jasprit Bumrah has been a standout performer, claiming 17 wickets, the highest among Indian bowlers and one more than his teammate Ravindra Jadeja. For New Zealand, left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner has been their top bowler with 16 wickets in nine games.
Cricket enthusiasts around the world eagerly await this clash of titans as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final.
Leave A Comment