Team India set a new record after winning their 9th consecutive game in the ongoing Cricket World Cup on Sunday. The Men in Blue registered a comfortable win over Netherlands to end the group stage undefeated. This was the first time that Team India registered 9 successive wins in a single edition of the World Cup. The previous record was created by Sourav Ganguly-led Men in Blue who won 8 games on the trot in the 2003 edition.
The high-flying Team India will now face New Zealand in the semi-final at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 15.
However, despite Team India’s dream run in the World Cup 2023 so far, the Indian cricket fans are still anxious, considering the team’s past knockout games’ results against New Zealand.
But this time, Team India is set to get their revenge of past heartbreaks and beat the Kane Williamson-led side in the World Cup semi-final.
Let’s take a look at three reasons why India will beat New Zealand in the semi-final:
India’s ‘red-hot’ Batting-order
Team India’s batting order has been in red-hot form in the ongoing World Cup 2023 tournament. The likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Shreyas and KL Rahul will go into the game in top-notch form. On the other hand, the wicket at the Wankhede Stadium will give the batters value for their shots.
While the New Zealand pacers have had success against India’s top order in the past, they have struggled to contain the opposition batters in the ongoing tournament. Despite scoring 400 against Pakistan, the Kiwi bowling line-up failed to stop Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam which led to team’s loss.
Also Read: IND vs NZ Head to Head ahead of the first World Cup 2023 semifinal in Wankhede
Rohit and Co. would be vary of that and would look to pounce on New Zealand’s bowling attack in the semis.
Home advantage
While the form is on the Men in Blue’s side, the home advantage will also play a significant role. Team India have played 21 ODIs at the Wankhede Stadium and have won 12 games so far. Players, especially, Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer and Surykumar Yadav would be well aware of the Wankhede’s surface, considering it is their home ground.
Current form
The Men in Blue have been in red hot form in the ongoing ODI World Cup. Rohit and Co. have not put a foot wrong in the competition. With 9 wins on the trot, the form and confidence are with them.
With 2019 heartbreak in mind, Team India will be extra motivated to turnaround this time in front of the home crowd.
Meanwhile, New Zealand just managed to qualify for the semi-final due to a better net run-rate than Pakistan. The team suffered defeats against top teams, including India, Australia, South Africa in the competition. The injuries have also held back the Kiwis.
Will we see Team India defeating New Zealand in the knockouts? The odds certainly favour the Men in Blue.
