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At the World Cup 2023, India and New Zealand will square off in a top-of-the-table showdown...
Digital Desk: The stage was the 2019 World Cup semi-final, with India and New Zealand vying to advance to the final. India appeared to be a juggernaut in the competition and on their way to the final, but their expectations were dashed when the Blackcaps once again proved to be their kryptonite.
Although India has a 58-50 head-to-head record versus New Zealand, the Blackcaps appear to have the upper hand in ICC events. It has been 20 years since India defeated New Zealand in an ICC event, a run that began with their World Cup victory in 2003.
Overall, New Zealand leads India 5-3 in ODI World Cups.
Following their World Cup failure in 2019, New Zealand defeated India in the first World Test Championship final. Streaks like this tend to play a role before a top-of-the-table battle.
However, the Indian squad appears to be concentrating on the game. India's performance in the 2023 Cricket World Cup has been nothing short of outstanding, with the side displaying an impressive combination of batting and bowling skills. The team's supremacy is obvious in their undefeated record in the event, as they have won all four matches.
The Indian batting team, led by captain Rohit Sharma and previous skipper Virat Kohli, has been a powerhouse to be reckoned with. Sharma presently leads the chart with 265 runs, followed by Kohli with 259 runs.
In addition to these two veterans, the Indian batting lineup has routinely performed well, with batters striking at an average rate of more than 100. Their domination is such that they have always managed to reach specified targets in fewer than 42 overs.
India's bowling performance has been as impressive. The pace attack is led by Jasprit Bumrah, who has 10 wickets in the competition thus far.
New Zealand has also been spotless so far in the World Cup, despite missing captain Kane Williamson for the whole of the tournament. Williamson is anticipated to be out for a few weeks longer, but the batting has improved in the meantime.
However, as Ross Taylor pointed out, India is a different beast at home and will be hoping for the same in Dharamsala.
Is it Ishan or Suryakumar for the New Zealand match?
Hardik Pandya's injury has thrown a wrench in India's plans, as they will now need to find replacements in two areas. When it comes to batting, the top candidates are Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav.
Both men have recently performed well in the middle order and could add a new dimension to the side. Rahul Dravid, on the other hand, is keeping his options open for the match.
When it comes to bowling, the decision is very obvious. On one side, you have Mohammed Shami, who has the potential to be productive both up top and in the death overs.
Shardul Thakur, who hasn't exactly lit up the World Cup stage with his bowling, appears to be preferred due to his batting ability.
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