ICC World Cup 2023: India v New Zealand | 1st Semi Final | Mumbai | 15 November | India Innings

[deltexas]

Then let's just award toss as the winner. It's a shame games are still decided by toss alone. I want a fair game.

FWIW - Right from 99 onwards when pak won the toss, every single team in the WC final that won the toss went on to lose the final.. so much for win the toss win the game false narratives..

 

[oatmeal]

India to lose by 3 wickets or 60 runs

 

[JAV12341]

Will be the most ones sided semi final ever India will absolutely maul New Zealand and gain revenge in style

 

[JAV12341]

India to lose by 3 wickets or 60 runs

They can lost 5 wickets for 60 does not matter have the bowling to defend anything special team

 

[jnaveen1980]

The reason teams would want to bat first especially at Wankhede at this time of the year is heat. Most teams make that call based on hot and humid weather. It is thankless to stand for 50 overs in heat and come back to bat in cool weather. Where as the other team will get the better weather to field. Irrespective of the talent you will feel the pinch. Maxwell showed immense resolve to stay there. Any other mortals would have given up.

 

[globetrotter]

The reason teams would want to bat first especially at Wankhede at this time of the year is heat. Most teams make that call based on hot and humid weather. It is thankless to stand for 50 overs in heat and come back to bat in cool weather. Where as the other team will get the better weather to field. Irrespective of the talent you will feel the pinch. Maxwell showed immense resolve to stay there. Any other mortals would have given up.

To neutralise toss effect, ICC should introduce 2 innings in 1st half and 2 inning in 2nd half

If NZ wins the toss and elected to bat, they will bat 1st 25 overs and then India for next 25 overs and after break NZ again bat for 25 overs under light then followed by india

 

[vprasanna83]

The ball swings around a lot under lights in Wankhede . I am wary of NZ batting first and knocking over 3-4 Indian wickets early when they bowl .

If India bat first , it should be an easy win for us

 

[FearlessRoar]

Mike Hesson said ahead of India vs New Zealand Semi-final:

The Wankhede is actually a good ground for New Zealand. If you're going to play India at any ground, Mumbai is not a bad one. I think our bowling attack will get some bounce there.

 

[shamaan]

I think New Zealand will win

 

[Abhilash93]

The ball swings around a lot under lights in Wankhede . I am wary of NZ batting first and knocking over 3-4 Indian wickets early when they bowl .

If India bat first , it should be an easy win for us

Exactly my thoughts.

The toss does have some importance in a day night game at the Wankhede. It swings around early in the 2nd innings in the twilight. Even Aussies had a collapse against Afghanistan here, losing 4 wickets in the first 8-9 overs and SL also completely collapsed against Indian pacers.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Exactly my thoughts.

The toss does have some importance in a day night game at the Wankhede. It swings around early in the 2nd innings in the twilight. Even Aussies had a collapse against Afghanistan here, losing 4 wickets in the first 8-9 overs and SL collpased against India.

In any world cup knock outs batting first is a safer option regardless of the condition. That pressure adds extra 20 to 30 runs. In T20s it is okay to chase. India faltered each time they chased in a knock out game. 2011 final was an exception where MSD orchestrated a masterful chase alongwith Gambhir.

 

[MP2011]

If Afghanistan can get 270 vs them then why can’t NZ get anything over 300.

Anything can happen in a KO, people here thought Pakistan could be India if they got through to the Semi’s.

First of all, 270 is not equal to 300.

NZ too tried to score 300 against us but couldn't.

 

[MP2011]

I think New Zealand will win

Good to see such comments. Need more such comments.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Exactly my thoughts.

The toss does have some importance in a day night game at the Wankhede. It swings around early in the 2nd innings in the twilight. Even Aussies had a collapse against Afghanistan here, losing 4 wickets in the first 8-9 overs and SL also completely collapsed against Indian pacers.

If you see off Boult in the first 10 overs it is open season while batting second. Boult is very familiar with Wankhede conditions under lights having been part of Mumbai INidan setup for long.

 

[Ab Fan]

NZ are strong favourites but we are capable of delivering an upset in the knockout by outperforming the formidable Kiwi side.

Hopefully, we push beyond our potential and beat the invincible NZ team who seem to be immovable at the moment.

 

[IndoorCricket]

Letss go!! hyped for the match!!

 

[FearlessRoar]

Lockie-Ferguson pre match conference ahead of Semi-final against India:

[Reporter:]

A lot of questions are going to be asked about India, I think. Can you talk about your strengths, which you think can be effective against India day after tomorrow?

[Lockie Ferguson:]

Yeah, look, firstly it's obviously a big pleasure to be part of the finals. I know the team is very excited to get underway in a couple of days and obviously to play at this ground, I've had a few games here and It's a pretty spectacular crowd. So, from our point of view, we've been playing some great cricket. I'm looking forward to getting underway in a couple of days.

[Reporter:]

Lockie, it's the fifth consecutive semifinal appearance that's going to happen on Wednesday for New Zealand. So, what is it that makes New Zealand such a contender every time they turn up for global events because bilaterals in the last four years you've lost in India, you've lost in Australia and Pakistan and England, bilateral series, what's it that makes New Zealand such a strong contender when it comes to World Cups?

[Lockie Ferguson:]

I don't know, I think, yeah, I'd love to know. Certainly, from our point of view, when we start the competition, much like every other team we're here to win it, but of course we know there's a process and I think certainly within our team we've played a lot of cricket together for a long period of time, so we sort of stick to our processes and I know it sounds cliche, but I think it keeps us sort of level-headed and naturally as Kiwis we tend to stay where our feet are, which I think is a positive. But yeah, we look forward to big tournaments. Obviously this one being in India is pretty spectacular with the fans, the support. We've been loving seeing all the New Zealand jerseys around too, so that's certainly helping us.

[Reporter:]

Hard work, preparation, planning, everything is fine, that is the major chunk, but the small part of luck, how important is that?

[Lockie Ferguson:]

Is luck? Once again, probably above my pay grade. But yeah, certainly every team here is working extremely hard. It's international cricket and it's as good as it gets. So, we've played some really good cricket along the way and we've had times where we, I guess from your point of view, have had a little bit of bad luck, but at the same time it doesn't matter now. We're in the knockout stages and certainly looking forward to a big game in a few days. But yeah, once again, it's just nice to play here in India with the fans. The support we've had both back home and in India has been fantastic.

[Reporter:]

You are in 2019 World Cup, so do you think there is going to be any psychological advantage for you? And the second part is, you guys have missed Matt Henry now. How you guys are going to finalize your playing 11 with fast baller like you, Tim Southee and Trent Boult? Because you are not looking so good as you were with Matt Henry?

[Lockie Ferguson:]

I think we look good here. Matt Henry is obviously a big hole in our side and we're still a handsome bunch without Matt Henry. So, I guess I'll take that on the chin, but now from a cricket point of view Tim Southee brings a lot of experience obviously being captain of the test team, captain in T20s and one days too, so I think that experience counts for a lot. He's also played a lot in India, which is great too, obviously pretty disheartened with how Matt Henry exited the World Cup, which was such a shame. We know injuries always come at the worst time, but no doubt he'll be supporting from back home and Tim Southee is raring to go. So once again, looking forward to it.

[Reporter:]

Would there be a preference to bat first considering how the new ball has behaved throughout this tournament at almost every venue under lights, how the ball has, would there be a preference and you being a fast bowler, would you rather enjoy more if the team that wins the toss, if it is yours, if they bat first?

[Lockie Ferguson:]

Yeah, look, I think the stats are probably favouring batting first, but at the same time it's A - not up to me, and B - we have to play the game on the day. So, whatever it might be, battle ball first. We've got plans for that. And it's important to stick to them. Obviously, nice to bowl under lights and always from a bowling point of view. Nice to see when the ball does move around a bit and brings us into the game. We'll just have to play it as we see it come game day, but I'm looking forward to it.

[Reporter:]

Your views on the Indian pace attack and how they have gone through the tournament, Bumrah, Shami, Siraj. You played a lot with Shami. So, your assessment of the Indian pace attack?

[Lockie Ferguson:]

Yeah, good attack, I think he probably struggled to make knockout stages without a good bowling attack and you know obviously nice for India to have Bumrah back from injury, it was a tough one for him, but obviously he's back to his great self. But yeah, look, it's a strong attack. I think all four teams in the knockout stages have got a very good pace attack, of course, with good spinners.

[Reporter:]

Rachin Ravindra has been a phenomenal success. So, did you guys actually expect him to be such a big hit or is it just a huge bonus for you? With the bat in particular.

[Lockie Ferguson:]

Yeah, good player, right? Yeah, very good player. I've sort of seen Rachin progress from domestic stages and played some New Zealand A-games with him. I think probably on and off the field he's got an exceptional attitude the way he goes about life, but especially with his cricket. He's a huge fan of cricket, but also works hard extremely on his batting and bowling. And he's been a huge part of our team throughout this World Cup. So, when you have a team member, I guess, who everyone loves so much, and then he does really well, then you tend to enjoy that even more. So, I know he's really looking forward to the event come a couple days’ time but it's been awesome to see him develop through this World Cup

[Reporter:]

Talking about this venue the matches has been very high scoring and you know small ground Is this a concern for you as a fast bowlers because you know almost 350 runs has been scored in every match.

[Lockie Ferguson:]

Yeah, I feel like a lot of Indian grounds have been high scoring. But that's just the nature of, I guess, one day cricket in this part of the world. But from our point of view, it's, I guess, trying to understand what the pitch will be like and try to read what a good score on it is because of course those big overs, 10 runs here, 10 runs there can cost you at the back end of the innings so from a bowling point of view we're trying to I guess shut down those big overs, try to understand what we think is a good total on the score. So, it's an experience thing, it's an assessment thing. The pitch will be different again, that's the joy of cricket I think, we play on a different pitch each time, so it's hard to read two days out. But from our point of view, yeah, we've got to adapt as quick as possible come Wednesday.

[Reporter:]

Of all the teams that played India so far, you guys have probably pushed them closer than anyone else. What was your takeaway from that game and where do you feel you need to have to improve to get past them this time?

[Lockie Ferguson:]

Yeah, look, it was a hard-fought game. I thought that has been extremely well, to get a great total on that. And of course, with one-day cricket and playing against India, there's a lot of ebbs and flows. So, I think it's not going to be any different come this game. We've just got to tighten up as much as we can. I guess can't really provide much more information than that. But I guess just as I was saying earlier, just adjust to the wicket, see what we think will be a good score, and do our best to defend it. And if we bat first, try to put runs on the board, which we think will be a good score to do.

[Reporter:]

New Zealand made a fantastic start. You won the first four matches. However, you went on to lose the next four. But again, you made a good comeback. So, during the loss, what was the discussion in the changing room and how did the team bounce back?

[Lockie Ferguson:]

Yeah, part of tournament cricket I guess and certainly World Cup cricket. Every team we play here is an exceptional team and have done their homework, done their scouting and we had a couple of close games I guess that didn't quite go away and a rain affected one and I think that's the joy of tournament cricket and nice to bounce back in our last round rubbing to find ourselves here but I guess from our point of view those nine games have got us to this position and we kind of all start from zero again. So come Wednesday, it'll be a good challenge.

[Reporter:]

Knowing what happened four years ago in a similar match, a World Cup semifinal between India and New Zealand, and India suffering a very heartbreaking loss, would you think a word like revenge would exist in a world where New Zealand are the nicest guy on the cricket field and what teams possibly cannot have any feeling of revenge against you guys? What would be your take on that?

[Lockie Ferguson:]

I think from your guys' point of view, it's, I guess, your job to write stories like that. But from our point of view, I'm not sure I can comment on that. But at the same time, look, yeah, four years ago was a pretty spectacular game. Over two days, I've never played a one-day game over two days, it was literally not even in the title. So, I think playing that game was pretty incredible and obviously very pleasing for us at the time but four years have gone past we've played a lot of cricket in between and both teams I'm sure are raring to go come Wednesday but yeah, I'm not sure to your question earlier.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Then let's just award toss as the winner. It's a shame games are still decided by toss alone. I want a fair game.

In Wankhede if you win the toss and score 330 you will win the match.

You want a fair game but India is not chasing anything over 300 under lights batting second on that ground.

And NZ wont either.

Win the toss, bat first, win the match.

 

[Champ_Pal]

Will Hardik play if he match fit or will India continue with the same winning combination?

So far, in all matches, either Rohit or Virat scored big. What if both fail and India are 65/4 kind of situation? Will the lower middle and tail score enough? India will be in a tough situation if Hardik is fit.

 

[jnaveen1980]

In Wankhede if you win the toss and score 330 you will win the match.

You want a fair game but India is not chasing anything over 300 under lights batting second on that ground.

And NZ wont either.

Win the toss, bat first, win the match.

I say that is applicable pretty much anywhere in the world. It is more to do with pressure. This is why it is mind bogglng to see South Africa losing the semi final to NZ. That too a guy like Dale Steyn. lost it. There are so many ways you can check batsmen when you bowl second. If Steyn landed 6 yorkers game was theirs to win. It was an epic choke job. Most recently he released video of 5 worst choke jobs. He included that as well. Hard to see him saying "I conceded 6 to Grant Elliott"

 

[Maliq_Mudasir]

Here's my match prediction:

India is expected to win the toss and choose to bowl. New Zealand is likely to score between 260 and 275 runs. Bumrah and Shami are expected to take 2 wickets each, while Kuldeep will claim 3 scalps. Kohli is anticipated to have 1 run-out to his name.

On the New Zealand side, Williamson may score a gritty 50, but Rachin is expected to be dismissed for fewer than 20 runs. Chapman will contribute with a few quick boundaries towards the end.

India will likely have a flying start with Rohit playing aggressively and Gill being watchful. By the time India reaches 100-2, Kohli and KL will be on the crease. Both are predicted to score fifties and get out. SKY is expected to hit the winning runs, leading India to a victory by 4 wickets, setting up a clash with Australia in Ahmedabad.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Will Hardik play if he match fit or will India continue with the same winning combination?

So far, in all matches, either Rohit or Virat scored big. What if both fail and India are 65/4 kind of situation? Will the lower middle and tail score enough? India will be in a tough situation if Hardik is fit.

No they cannot fail. THey must do well. This is one of the black mark in their career. So they must click. There is no "What if".

 

[Justcrazy]

If Afghanistan can get 270 vs them then why can’t NZ get anything over 300.

Anything can happen in a KO, people here thought Pakistan could be India if they got through to the Semi’s.

Yes , it is quiet possible that India will play one bad game and lose , but as far as most balanced team is concerned India will remain so. End of the day there has to be only one winner.

 

[shah9425]

India is favorite to win this time

 

[Cover Drive Six]

Will Hardik play if he match fit or will India continue with the same winning combination?

So far, in all matches, either Rohit or Virat scored big. What if both fail and India are 65/4 kind of situation? Will the lower middle and tail score enough? India will be in a tough situation if Hardik is fit.

That's why I always prefer Hardik instead of playing three specialist pacers, considering the fragile batting display in knockout games.

 

[FearlessRoar]

India is favorite to win this time

How they are favorite? New Zealand has also top performers

 

[shah9425]

How they are favorite? New Zealand has also top performers

Because of their recent performance I see them beating NZ this time

 

[Cover Drive Six]

Here's my match prediction:

India is expected to win the toss and choose to bowl. New Zealand is likely to score between 260 and 275 runs. Bumrah and Shami are expected to take 2 wickets each, while Kuldeep will claim 3 scalps. Kohli is anticipated to have 1 run-out to his name.

On the New Zealand side, Williamson may score a gritty 50, but Rachin is expected to be dismissed for fewer than 20 runs. Chapman will contribute with a few quick boundaries towards the end.

India will likely have a flying start with Rohit playing aggressively and Gill being watchful. By the time India reaches 100-2, Kohli and KL will be on the crease. Both are predicted to score fifties and get out. SKY is expected to hit the winning runs, leading India to a victory by 4 wickets, setting up a clash with Australia in Ahmedabad.

Why would you choose to bowl first on the Wankhede pitch where the ball is moving under lights? Chasing is not easy at Wankhede, as we have seen in the Sri Lanka match.

Dew is also a factor there. Win the toss and bat first.

 

[Maliq_Mudasir]

Why would you choose to bowl first on the Wankhede pitch where the ball is moving under lights? Chasing is not easy at Wankhede, as we have seen in the Sri Lanka match.

Dew is also a factor there. Win the toss and bat first.

Dew is the factor and still choose to bat first ?

 

[Cover Drive Six]

Dew is the factor and still choose to bat first ?

We haven't seen much dew so far in this World Cup. If dew is less, it's better to bat first.

 

[rhony]

If India bats first, it's game over for NZ. If India chases, it shouldn't be more than 300. Otherwise, there will be problems with early wickets. Mumbai pitch is a batting paradise after 20 overs while chasing. It could slow down a tad when batting first

 

[rhony]

How they are favorite? New Zealand has also top performers

NZ has been lucky with green pitches including the last SF. Believe me, Mumbai pitch won't have a blade of grass. India's tormentor Matt Henry is cooling his heels back home. The boults and Rachins, India can handle.

Boult knows Mumbai pitch like the back of his hand and could be handful under lights. But Indian batsmen including Rohit have played him thousands of times even in the nets. Game is India's to lose.

 

[jnaveen1980]

NZ has been lucky with green pitches including the last SF. Believe me, Mumbai pitch won't have a blade of grass. India's tormentor Matt Henry is cooling his heels back home. The boults and Rachins, India can handle.

Boult knows Mumbai pitch like the back of his hand and could be handful under lights. But Indian batsmen including Rohit have played him thousands of times even in the nets. Game is India's to lose.

NZ is always a strategy based team. They will have plans for each player. First obvious plans and Then specific plans, Bowling match ups. It probably works against a lot of teams. But it never worked against teams like Australia. Before they blink Australia will crush them. That is how you deal with these "strategy based" teams. In 1992 it is exactly what Inzamam did. He just indulged in unadulterated hitting. Recently Fakhar did the same. Rohit did earlier in the preliminary round. If you play cautiously they will be all over you.

 

[Tintin]

Will have to be a real bottle job or someone from NZ play out of their skin (like Maxie did). Could be a bowler running through India as well.

Second point was likely if this would have been on a Eden pitch but with the Wankhade pitch seems unlikely.

In any KO match, I will prefer India bat first and go for maximum above 400 and unleash our bowlers on them under the lights. If India has to chase, I will be very nervous. The lower middle order is still a vulnerable area and the tail will be exposed quickly.

 

[Falconslions]

In Wankhede if you win the toss and score 330 you will win the match.

You want a fair game but India is not chasing anything over 300 under lights batting second on that ground.

And NZ wont either.

Win the toss, bat first, win the match.

It will seam around in the 1st innings too. If a team loses 2-3 wickets early then they could be restricted to under 250 and chasing team can play safely initially and chase it down with dew later on.

Toss is being hyped up too much even though it will be less of a factor now.

Initially the weather was playing a part 37-38 degrees and high humidity. But now temperatures are down to 33-34 degrees and humidity is down too. So bowling first won't be that draining either.

 

[Falconslions]

Why would you choose to bowl first on the Wankhede pitch where the ball is moving under lights? Chasing is not easy at Wankhede, as we have seen in the Sri Lanka match.

Dew is also a factor there. Win the toss and bat first.

Because ball moves around in the 1st innings too and chasing in 2nd innings gets easier and easier after 15-20 overs because of dew.

 

[Devadwal]

New Zealand has nothing to lose. India will be under immense pressure, facing the risk of being knocked out and the backlash from the public.

Why NZ is nothing to lose ? They have lost back to back world cup final so they want to win first ever icc world cup .

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Have a feeling that Daryl Mitchell will pull of something special…

 

[kron]

I say that is applicable pretty much anywhere in the world. It is more to do with pressure. This is why it is mind bogglng to see South Africa losing the semi final to NZ. That too a guy like Dale Steyn. lost it. There are so many ways you can check batsmen when you bowl second. If Steyn landed 6 yorkers game was theirs to win. It was an epic choke job. Most recently he released video of 5 worst choke jobs. He included that as well. Hard to see him saying "I conceded 6 to Grant Elliott"

Steyn Is a massive choker. Very overrated bowler.

Even in tests his record in England and Australia aren't that great. It was morkel who did the damage and he took advantage of it.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Why NZ is nothing to lose ? They have lost back to back world cup final so they want to win first ever icc world cup .

Because they’re expected to lose…

They were on a 4 game losing streak, on the verge of being knocked out in the RR.

They’re playing against the home team, the tournament favourites.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Why NZ is nothing to lose ? They have lost back to back world cup final so they want to win first ever icc world cup .

Because they’re expected to lose…

They were on a 4 game losing streak, on the verge of being knocked out in the RR.

They’re playing against the home team, the tournament favourites.

 

[Suleiman]

Come on New Zealand, we can do this.

Drinks (non alcoholic) on me at the Green Man Pub in Wellington after we beat these Indians.

 

[deltexas]

Also another thing. The table shows nz winning 5 games but they easily could have won 7 games and be in 2nd place. Game against aus - nz lost only by 5 runs in a mammoth 380 chase and they most probably would have won the game with pak if it went the distance..
Should be a cracker of a game though

 

[jnaveen1980]

Also another thing. The table shows nz winning 5 games but they easily could have won 7 games and be in 2nd place. Game against aus - nz lost only by 5 runs in a mammoth 380 chase and they most probably would have won the game with pak if it went the distance..
Should be a cracker of a game though

NZ vs SA at Eden Gardens not a bad match up either. Eden Gardens is likely to be SA's kryptonite given the fact that pitch doesn't suit their style of play at all. All out aggression.

 

[MP2011]

This is what Abhinav Bindra has to say to Indian team,

Remember, the present moment is like a perfect shot – it’s all you’ve got. Stay in it. Your routine is your ritual – it’s what turns pressure into performance. Stick to it, but don’t be afraid to throw in a googly and adapt when the situation demands,” Bindra wrote.

Crisis? That’s just another word for ‘I’m about to make history’. So when the going gets tough, the tough don’t just get going, they dig deep and build a skyscraper right there. Lastly, pressure is like your shadow in the afternoon sun – it might look big, but it’s not heavier than a cricket ball. Don’t run from it. Embrace it, high-five it, and you’ll learn to dance with it on the pitch. So go ahead, knock it out of the park, but remember, if you find yourself in a sticky wicket, there’s nothing that a deep breath and a calm head can’t fix,” he added.

 

[kron]

Last chance for rohit ans kohli. Will they STEP UP? or will they fall in ko again. Huge pressure.
No excuses. Absolutely no excuses. Want to be called goat boat then prove it.

 

[Hitman]

Come on New Zealand, we can do this.

Drinks (non alcoholic) on me at the Green Man Pub in Wellington after we beat these Indians.

We were expecting your good wishes for the Indian team.

 

[Hitman]

Steyn Is a massive choker. Very overrated bowler.

Even in tests his record in England and Australia aren't that great. It was morkel who did the damage and he took advantage of it.

Yea, someone with a Test bowling SR of 42.3 over 93 Tests is overrated

 

[Kianig89]

NZ need to go all guns blazing! specially the captain KW 4 SF's in a row for him as a player, must make it count

 

[jnaveen1980]

Last chance for rohit ans kohli. Will they STEP UP? or will they fall in ko again. Huge pressure.
No excuses. Absolutely no excuses. Want to be called goat boat then prove it.

Rohit is not the same anymore. He already destroyed Henry and Boult at Dharamsala. He should have done that long back. One thing to get out to good bowling. They got out some rubbish bowling in knock outs.

 

[kron]

Rohit is not the same anymore. He already destroyed Henry and Boult at Dharamsala. He should have done that long back. One thing to get out to good bowling. They got out some rubbish bowling in knock outs.

New Zealand is nothing special. You just need to attack them hard. Bully them early. They will fold. Bowl lot of bouncers. Pepper them with those and good length ones. Australia just bulldozes them every time. Intimidate them. I remember back in the days shoaib scared them and made them poop their pants. With batting you just need to be aggressive and hit their trundlers. Lockie isn't a trundler but he is there to be hit. Just bowls like our haris roof.

 

[jnaveen1980]

New Zealand is nothing special. You just need to attack them hard. Bully them early. They will fold. Bowl lot of bouncers. Pepper them with those and good length ones. Australia just bulldozes them every time. Intimidate them. I remember back in the days shoaib scared them and made them poop their pants. With batting you just need to be aggressive and hit their trundlers. Lockie isn't a trundler but he is there to be hit. Just bowls like our haris roof.

NZ has lost 6 ODIs in a row to India in India. Gill has given them serious nightmares in the 7 or 8 months. He is a bit different than Rahul at the top. Rahul in the middle is a completely different specimen. He is very timid up the order. Gill is never known for backing down. Even at the Gabba test, he was the first one to throw punches. We were all praying for a draw. That guy's assault on Starc made us believe we could pull a heist. So his presence is very important. SKY is the only one unknown quantity. This is his homeground both domestically and also IPL home ground. If he finds his range it will be bloodbath at Wankhede.

 

[Suleiman]

We were expecting your good wishes for the Indian team.

Ofc India are favorites to win bro.

I just choose to support the underdog because of the lack of NZ fans compared to India support. That too away from home.

I don’t have anything against India. Just engage in competitive banter during tournaments.

One side of my family was based in Delhi. The other one from Jaipur. Pre partition. Never had anything against India the country or its people.. the govt is a different question.

As a Muslim, I don’t really put too much stock in blind jingoism or nationalism.. we are all insaan at the end of the day

 

[Aman]

Didn't expect us to make it this far going into the tournament.

Only hoping for the best from here even we're probably the weakest team of the Semi Finalist.

Would love to progress but we'd probably be setting up another WC Final loss to Aus.

Would love to see SA win if not us but I can't see them beating Aus and India to win.

 

[BouncerGuy]

India will be the favorite to win here but their poor KO record is their biggest enemy. They will be undefeated in group stages and will lose in the all-important KO match and here you go. All over.

 

[Ahmed216]

Now that Pak is out somehow inexplicably my heart wants to India to win this game and the .
May be it's because of one of my favorite cricketers ever Rohit Sharma, the guy is a gem of person.

 

[kron]

Yea, someone with a Test bowling SR of 42.3 over 93 Tests is overrated

Odi.
Odi
Odi
Odi

Don't conflate stats.

Ask soso lkiller himself.

Massive choker in odi and t20. Useless guy infact.

In tests yea sure. Still dint do all that great in England and Australia. I specially mentioned those 2. Somehow he did well in India. In u.a.e top he dint quite light it up.

 

[kron]

Now that Pak is out somehow inexplicably my heart wants to India to win this game and the .
May be it's because of one of my favorite cricketers ever Rohit Sharma, the guy is a gem of person.

Yea full support for India now that Pakistan is out. Inshallah they can win.

Support the Asian brothers.

Plus being Punjabi, I have lot of Indian friends from India anyway.

 

[DJhant]

Not having a good feeling about tomorrow's match. India hasn't chased 300+, if NZ opponent bats first and goes bazzball, who knows !

 

[IndianMafia]

Somehow I get a feel that suryakumar yadav will be the difference.

 

[kron]

Not having a good feeling about tomorrow's match. India hasn't chased 300+, if NZ opponent bats first and goes bazzball, who knows !

India is a great side. But now it's about the Ko. Mental strength being key. They need to show they can handle the pressure.

If they fail well that's unfortunate cause they have been brilliant in this tournament.

 

[Hitman]

I'd rather lose in the semis than the finals, less heartbreak. My fear is facing Australia in the final.

 

[Sycamore]

India has got this in the bag. Home Ground advantage. Home audience advantage. Every player in form. Easy world cup win.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Reserve days

Both semi-finals and the final can use a reserve day should a result be unable to be reached due to weather.

Prize money

An overall US$10 million pot has been announced for the tournament.

The winners of the tournament will take home US$4 million, with the runners-up winning US$2 million.

Teams will also collect US$40,000 for every group stage win.

ICC

--------------------------------------------

Reserve days are well used here. They should only be used for such knockout matches. Cannot let the rain spoil the important World Cup matches.​

 

[IndoorCricket]

NZ fielding is top notch. And we have Siraj!

 

[globetrotter]

Tomorrow India is batting first… it’s my prediction

 

[globetrotter]

India is a great side. But now it's about the Ko. Mental strength being key. They need to show they can handle the pressure.

If they fail well that's unfortunate cause they have been brilliant in this tournament.

India had many KO’s in past …. It’s not new for Indian team

 

[kron]

I'd rather lose in the semis than the finals, less heartbreak. My fear is facing Australia in the final.

Australia has a population of 30 mil. Probably less than Bombay's population. Plus no one cares about cricket as much in Australia anymore.

India it's different. Pressure of so many fans is huge.

Australia are beatable. Indian players have failed many times in the last 10 years. If they cant win now then they won't won for many mor years. Probably another decade tbh.

 

[globetrotter]

Australia has a population of 30 mil. Probably less than Bombay's population. Plus no one cares about cricket as much in Australia anymore.

India it's different. Pressure of so many fans is huge.

Australia are beatable. Indian players have failed many times in the last 10 years. If they cant win now then they won't won for many mor years. Probably another decade tbh.

Indian cricketers are professional and experienced players, they played many pressure games in past, therefore they are familiar in handling such pressure matches

 

[globetrotter]

Australia has a population of 30 mil. Probably less than Bombay's population. Plus no one cares about cricket as much in Australia anymore.

India it's different. Pressure of so many fans is huge.

Australia are beatable. Indian players have failed many times in the last 10 years. If they cant win now then they won't won for many mor years. Probably another decade tbh.

R u feeling more pressure than Indian team?

 

[BouncerGuy]

This thread is about India and New Zealand's clash. No need to discuss Australia here. We have other threads available for that team. Please stick to the topic.

 

[globetrotter]

Australia has a population of 30 mil. Probably less than Bombay's population. Plus no one cares about cricket as much in Australia anymore.

India it's different. Pressure of so many fans is huge.

Australia are beatable. Indian players have failed many times in the last 10 years. If they cant win now then they won't won for many mor years. Probably another decade tbh.

FYI…. In last decade, India won 7 KO games and lost 3 KO

 

[IndoorCricket]

Will Hardik play if he match fit or will India continue with the same winning combination?

So far, in all matches, either Rohit or Virat scored big. What if both fail and India are 65/4 kind of situation? Will the lower middle and tail score enough? India will be in a tough situation if Hardik is fit.

Hardik is out of tournament.

 

[Bhaijaan]

David Beckham to attend semi final at Wankhede

 

[volcyz]

Just like India was favourites to win 2006 u19 world cup vs Pak

Then Anwar ali and Jamshed happened

 

[kron]

FYI…. In last decade, India won 7 KO games and lost 3 KO

How many titles did they win?

 

[BouncerGuy]

Forget about the past guys. Talk about the big game coming up tomorrow. India has a challenge to face in the likes of KIWIS.

 

[IndoorCricket]

Forget about the past guys. Talk about the big game coming up tomorrow. India has a challenge to face in the likes of KIWIS.

We draw inference from past data. But yah new day new match. With Kane coming back to the team its 50-50

 

[globetrotter]

How many titles did they win?

All and this WC is one more

 

[RamLakhan]

Forget IPL playoffs style, India will demand for pure league based world cups from here on... Just play all round robin matches with everyone and decide the winner based on who tops it! With this India is clear winner in this tournament. BCCI will pressurize ICC if its team fails in Semis or Finals... OR another rule saying that if a team wins all its league matches (like India did this time) then just cancel the knockout games as the team has beaten all other teams and declare them as winners...