After waiting for more than four years, Team India is once again standing there. Once again, Team India achieved the first position in the points table by performing strongly and explosively in the league stage of the World Cup. Once again, it was the first to enter the semi-finals and once again only Team India will play the first semi-final. If this is not enough, then once again Team India will face New Zealand, who had broken Team India’s heart 4 years ago. One star of that victory has now warned that a similar situation may happen this time too.
Four years ago, the teams of India and New Zealand met in the semi-finals of the World Cup 2019 in Manchester. That match lasted two days due to rain. Team India, bowling first, restricted New Zealand to just 239 runs. Looking at the form of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, it seemed that this target would be easily achieved but Team India lost by 18 runs. That defeat broke the heart of every Indian fan.
Similarity to previous semi-finals
One star of New Zealand’s victory was former batsman Ross Taylor, who played an excellent innings of 74 runs in difficult conditions. This time Taylor is not a part of the Kiwi team but is trying to make an impact with verbal attacks outside the field. Before the semi-final clash, Taylor said that similarities will be seen with the 2019 match because in that World Cup too, Team India was strong and in good form, while New Zealand was somehow able to reach the semi-finals.
New Zealand dangerous in front of nervous team India
Taylor then warned Team India and explained why New Zealand would be more dangerous. The Kiwi veteran said that compared to the last World Cup, this time Team India is more powerful and because of the World Cup being held at home, it is a bigger contender. After this, Taylor explained the specialty of New Zealand and said that when the Kiwi team has nothing to lose, it proves to be the most dangerous. He also said that if India will be most nervous against any one team then it is New Zealand.
Challenge in Wankhede also
This clash between India and New Zealand will take place on Wednesday 15th November at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Team India has already defeated the Kiwi team once in this World Cup. India had won by 4 wickets in the match held in Dharamshala. However, the contest at Wankhede will be different. Especially if Team India has to chase there, there will be a danger of a situation like Manchester because it is very difficult to chase in the second innings on this ground.
