Former New Zealand cricketer Ross Taylor has said that Team India will be nervous to face the current New Zealand side in IND vs NZ World Cup semifinal. In a column for ICC, the Kiwi legend backed New Zealand to defeat hosts Team India, who are yet to lose a game in the tournament. Taylor drew parallels with 2019 World Cup and said the Men in Blue were favourites in the previous edition as well.
“Four years ago, India went into the semi-final in Manchester as the form side in the tournament, while we were more focused on ensuring our net run-rate would keep Pakistan out of reach for the final spot in the top four”, Taylor wrote in his column for ICC.
Taylor added that the Kane Williamson-led side are “dangerous” when they have nothing to lose.
“When we have nothing to lose, New Zealand teams can be dangerous. If there is a team that India will be nervous facing, it will be this New Zealand side”, Taylor claimed.
When asked about the home advantage India will enjoy, Ross said that the Men in Blue had similar support in Manchester as well.
“At Old Trafford, I’d say the crowd was probably about 80% Indian, with a sprinkling of New Zealand friends and family and then some English”, Ross Taylor added.
The 39-year-old said that the toss will be crucial at Wankhede Stadium and it will be a “big test” for the Kiwi side to deal with the conditions.
“The toss is important but if New Zealand can start well with bat and ball, that will give them a lot of confidence to stay in the fight”, Taylor said.
It will be a big day for Rachin Ravindra: Ross Taylor
Taylor also lauded the young opener Rachin Ravindra who has been a sensation with the bat for the New Zealand side in the ongoing World Cup.
“We needed someone to score heavily in the tournament. I am not sure many people would have expected it to be Rachin but I have been really impressed, not only by the runs he has scored but also the way he has gone about it, his tempo and calmness”, the 39-year-old said.
Notably, the 23-year-old has score 565 runs in 9 innings at an average of 70.62 in the tournament so far.
The first semi-final between India and New Zealand will be played on November 15 at Wankhede Stadium.
