India is out for redemption in World Cup semi final showdown against New Zealand

The Indian cricket squad, alongside the entire nation, prepares for the semi-final showdown with New Zealand, aiming to rectify the setbacks from their previous World Cup 2019 semifinal loss to the Black Caps.

What

• The Men in Blues enter the semi-final against the Black Caps boasting an impeccable group-stage record, but on this grand stage, the past might lose its significance.

• India aims to overcome the bitter memory of their 2019 ICC ODI World Cup semi-final loss in the upcoming match and emerge victorious.
• During the 2019 World Cup, India suffered an 18-run defeat against New Zealand, leading to their elimination in the semifinals.

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What’s different this time?

• Unlike 2019, there are a lot of points that stand different for both teams when they meet this year at the semis.

India looks stronger than ever!

• In this year's World Cup, India excelled with an outstanding +2.570 net run rate, a remarkable improvement from their +0.809 in 2019.
• In this World Cup, India's unbeaten record contrasts sharply with their 2019 campaign, where they lost to England in the group stage.
• This time India stands out as the leading force in both batting and bowling, further tipping the scales in India's favour.

• In this World Cup, New Zealand, once favourites, had a tougher time than in 2019, with four losses compared to three in the last World Cup.

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Fresh and in-form team

• In the 2019 World Cup semi-final rematch, both semi-finalists boast a relatively fresh lineup compared to their previous encounter.
• In the current 15-member squad for India, only seven players are recalled from the previous World Cup team.
• The 2023 New Zealand World Cup squad differs significantly from the 2019 squad, with only five players making a return.

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India’s home-ground advantage 

• India will aim to capitalise on their home-ground advantage, a luxury absent in the 2019 campaign.
• With a familiar pitch like that of Wankhede, India has a strong advantage over the New Zealand side.

• India will have the memories of the 2011 World Cup, which was hosted in India, as a driving factor in their semifinal clash.

You can watch the match on Star Sports Network channels or stream it LIVE via the Disney+Hotstar app and website. The match starts today at 2 pm.

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