4 key battles to watch out for in the India vs New Zealand World Cup semi-final

India are set to face off against New Zealand in the mega semi-final of the ICC World Cup 2023 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday (November 15). Having triumphed in 9 consecutive games, India aim to secure a berth in the finals by overcoming New Zealand in this highly anticipated clash.

However, this encounter presents a significant challenge for the Men in Blue, given their past struggles against the Kiwis in pivotal matches, notably the 2019 World Cup semi-final at Old Trafford Cricket Ground.

Head-to-head stats

• In limited-overs encounters, India hold an advantage over New Zealand in ODIs, winning 59 out of 117 matches, while the Kiwis have emerged victorious in 50 matches.

• In World Cups, the two teams have faced each other in 9 matches, with New Zealand winning 5 and India triumphing on 4 occasions.

• India recently secured a win against the Black Caps in a league stage game, breaking a 20-year-old jinx of never defeating New Zealand in ICC tournaments.

• The World Cup semi-final is poised as a 50:50 battle, with both teams boasting match-winners in their ranks.

Here are 4 epic clashes to anticipate in the semi-final:

1. Rohit Sharma vs Trent Boult

• Trent Boult, rated as one of New Zealand's top left-arm pacers, poses a challenge to Indian skipper Rohit Sharma with his ability to swing the ball both ways.
• Boult has taken 13 wickets in the tournament, including an impressive 3/37 against Sri Lanka in the last match.

• While Rohit Sharma has been in exceptional form in the World Cup, scoring 503 runs in 9 matches at an average of 55.88, he must be cautious against Boult's potency with the new ball.
• The power play clash between Boult and Rohit Sharma will be crucial, especially with the pacer's skill in delivering inside swing deliveries, which have troubled Sharma in recent times.

2. Rachin Ravindra vs Mohammed Shami

• Emerging star Rachin Ravindra from New Zealand faces India's in-form bowler, Mohammed Shami.
• Ravindra has displayed exceptional form in the tournament, amassing 565 runs in 9 matches at an impressive average of 62.77.

• However, Ravindra's battle against India's key wicket-taker, Mohammad Shami, will be crucial, given Shami's two fifers in the tournament, including one against New Zealand.
• Shami, with 16 wickets in 5 matches, aims to dismantle New Zealand's top-order early in the game.

3. Tim Southee vs Virat Kohli

• This clash holds significance as Kohli has faced difficulties against Southee in recent encounters.
• Southee's ability to swing the ball both ways poses a challenge, particularly with Kohli's struggles against outswingers.

• Despite Kohli's exceptional performance in the World Cup, scoring 594 runs at an average of 66, Southee remains a formidable adversary.

• While Kohli has been consistent, Southee has secured only 4 wickets in the tournament across three games.

4. Mitchell Santner vs Ravindra Jadeja

• The clash of allrounders pits India's Ravindra Jadeja against New Zealand's Mitchell Santner.
• Both players have claimed 16 wickets in the tournament, with Jadeja exhibiting better batting prowess, scoring 111 runs in four innings compared to Santner's 94 in six innings.

• Jadeja's reputation for delivering in crucial matches gives him an edge over Santner, whose batting potential remains unfulfilled.
• The roles of these allrounders will be pivotal in deciding their team's fate in the semi-final.

When and where to watch:

The match will start at 2 pm on Wednesday, and will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network channels, and will be streaming digitally on Disney+Hotstar app and website.