In a thrilling encounter, India and New Zealand are set to face off in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 first semi-final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on November 15, kicking off at 2:00 PM IST.

The high-soaring Indian cricket team wrapped up the league stage with a resounding 160-run victory over the Netherlands, maintaining a flawless record of nine wins out of nine in the ODI World Cup. Yet, their next hurdle is none other than New Zealand, a formidable adversary that has consistently challenged the Men in Blue over the years.

While New Zealand’s initial four victories showcased their World Cup prowess, four subsequent losses temporarily dimmed their shine. However, a crucial win against Sri Lanka in their final league match secured their spot in the semi-finals. The Kiwis are primed to give their best for a third consecutive appearance in the ODI World Cup final.

History Haunts India
Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid lead India with a shadow of history hanging over them. The haunting memory of the 2019 World Cup semi-final defeat against New Zealand, resulting in India’s exit, remains a cause for concern. The Kiwis have consistently proven to be India’s nemesis, and as the team gears up for the clash, the weight of this past history is likely to play on their minds.

Knockout Woes
India, with a fourth consecutive appearance in the ODI World Cup semi-finals, face the challenge of overcoming recent knockout setbacks. The pressure associated with these crucial matches, coupled with the memory of the 2022 T20 World Cup exit, might impact the team’s performance against a determined New Zealand.

Right vs. Left Conundrum
India’s unchanged right-handed batting lineup, including stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, faces a potential challenge against New Zealand’s left-arm duo, Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner. Boult, in particular, has troubled Sharma with ODIs. With Santner’s prowess against right-handers, India’s composition might pose a challenge in the semi-finals, while New Zealand’s mix of right and left-handed batters could exploit this imbalance with strategic strike rotations.