After the league stage of the World Cup is done and dusted, attention shifts to the semi-final of the World Cup, which begins on Wednesday (November 15). Owing to finishing first on the points table, Rohit Sharma & Co will take on New Zealand in the first semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Four matches have been played at this iconic stadium during the World Cup, and so far, all have been high-scoring games.
The semi-final is also expected to follow the same template as IND vs NZ in all likelihood be a batting paradise. With India breaching the 400-run mark in their last game against Netherlands, the Men in Blue will be eyeing yet another big score against the Kiwis. India have so far ticked all the boxes, and are oozing confidence, with nine wins on the trot.
Some critics were saying that the Men in Blue does not fancy batting first. But batting first, India blazed their way, scoring two 300-plus scores. Playing on different surfaces and adapting has been key to India’s success.
Batters to have edge at Wankhede Stadium
South Africa played two games in Mumbai and scored over 350 runs. The Proteas almost scored 400 against England. So, it won’t be a secret that IND vs NZ semis clash will be a high-scoring game. India have played one game here against Sri Lanka and scored over 300 runs.
It is a batting paradise, with teams willing to bat first and post big scores. During the evening, the ball will swing, as was evidenced during the SA vs ENG game and IND vs SL.
The ball won’t spin too much here, and the spinners will have to hit hard lengths. 270 is the average first innings score at Wankhede Stadium.
14 matches have been won while batting first here, and 13 matches have been won while chasing. 438/4 is the highest score registered at the Wankhede Stadium by South Africa in 2015.
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