India vs New Zealand | Semi Final 1, World Cup | Old Trafford | 9th Jul, 2019 | Pre Match Discussion

[WengerOut]

Easiest semi-final in history

I see what you did there

 

[Tridibans_16]

I predict sharma and kohli will both fail in a run chase.
I predict india will need 78 runs in the final 6 overs, with dhoni at the crease.
Can dhoni save india's world cup dreams?

So if the above turns out to be your pipedreams, will you then accept how pathetic a cricket analyst you are? not to mention, a hot headed cricket fan without any understanding of the game?

 

[Chokli]

Have to admit. Always wanted Pakistan to loose in each of their game because of my personal hate. Was more happy to see Dhoni playing slow innings and making Pakistan go out of world cup.

But this semifinal dosent inspire that thrill, anxiety and passion of an Ind Pak encounter.

Seems kind of lul and boring. Even this forum and Twitter looks dull. Kind of feels world cup enthusiasm is gone. Even though India is playing but nothing beats that satisfaction of defeating *****.
How to remove this lul and boredom. We need some battle for craziness to return. Feels like a gloom and depression setting in. Can we atleast have all Pakistan chearing for NZ and trolling us. That way I can enjoy some fan moment otherwise feeling sick and low.

We are brothers

 

[KingKhanWC]

People are underestimating NZ Boult and Ferguson will be a challenge for all Indian batsmen and Williamson and Taylor are probably two of the best at building a big partnership.

Toss is crucial, NZ bat first and get near 300 they will win.

Good Luck NZ , hope you win in style.

 

[fitCricFan]

The best team will win but it will be interesting to see both of them compete for the 1st time in this WC. Had the league game not been washed out, we might have had a different team take the 4th spot.

 

[JaDed]

Easiest semi-final in history

We played Kenya in semis in 2003..

 

[WengerOut]

I see lot of Pak fans making India overwhelming favs against NZ and if India lose, i can guarantee each one of them mocking the Indian fans for being arrogant. The truth is, it is a SF and it will be 50-50

 

[KI_playa]

Old Trafford is a batsman's pitch. There has been only one score below 200 there in the last 5 matches of this WC. It is considered one of the best grounds in England. India has shown ability to chase (SA, SL), ability to defend low totals (AFG, WI) and ability to set huge totals (Pak, Aus). So they have a fairly balanced side that should come out ahead 70% of the time against the Kiwis.

 

[Syed1]

I see lot of Pak fans making India overwhelming favs against NZ and if India lose, i can guarantee each one of them mocking the Indian fans for being arrogant. The truth is, it is a SF and it will be 50-50

You will be mocked if you lose this. India qualified at the top of the table and would have gone completely undefeated had they shown a little "intent" against Eng and NZ game hadn't been rained off. On the other hand NZ lost every single match against top 5 sides, and even sides 6-9 they had close encounters and barely scrapped through.

It is a David vs Goliath fight. Obviously if Goliath loses he will be mocked for rest of history.

 

[Chokli]

We played Kenya in semis in 2003..

If India/Aus reach the Finals I hope it doesn't get rained out like in 2003.

 

[Chokli]

Rain will be the winner of this World Cup.

 

[Itachi]

You will be mocked if you lose this. India qualified at the top of the table and would have gone completely undefeated had they shown a little "intent" against Eng and NZ game hadn't been rained off. On the other hand NZ lost every single match against top 5 sides, and even sides 6-9 they had close encounters and barely scrapped through.

It is a David vs Goliath fight. Obviously if Goliath loses he will be mocked for rest of history.

Goalith did lose. So defeat of India is in destiny

 

[WengerOut]

You will be mocked if you lose this. India qualified at the top of the table and would have gone completely undefeated had they shown a little "intent" against Eng and NZ game hadn't been rained off. On the other hand NZ lost every single match against top 5 sides, and even sides 6-9 they had close encounters and barely scrapped through.

It is a David vs Goliath fight. Obviously if Goliath loses he will be mocked for rest of history.

Being mocked is fine. But calling fans or team arrogant is not called for when most of them (atleast sane ones) are not predicting an Indian win with absolute surety.

 

[Nov15]

Kohli said Chahal was "rested" for the SL game. Means he'll most likely play the SF. Should India play 2 spinners? Kuldeep or Jadeja?

Middle order: DK or Jadhav?

 

[LongtimeLurk3r]

Overcast conditions def bring Boult and Ferguson into the game. NZ are no pushovers for sure. If their bowling finds good purchase due to the conditions, their shaky batting (atm) should be sufficient to win.

 

[The Viper]

Black Caps coach Stead backs Ferguson to make the difference against India

New Zealand coach Gary Stead hopes Lockie Ferguson can make the difference against India after revealing the pace bowler should be fit for their semi-final clash on Tuesday.

New Zealand finished fourth in the standings with five wins after the round-robin stage

Lockie Ferguson is expected to be back for the Black Caps’ semi-final against India

New Zealand coach Gary Stead hopes Lockie Ferguson can make the difference against India after revealing the pace bowler should be fit for their semi-final clash on Tuesday.

The Black Caps were without their leading wicket-taker in ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 for their final group-stage game – a 119-run defeat to England at Chester-le-Street.

Ferguson has been a standout performer for New Zealand in the tournament as they finished fourth in the standings, taking 17 wickets to sit joint-third in the table for the most wickets taken.

And after the 28-year-old was rested as a precaution following a hamstring strain, Stead expects him to be back fit and firing for the showdown with India at Old Trafford.

“I absolutely expect Lockie to play. If the last game was a semi-final or final, we probably would have played him, so it was more a precautionary measure not to play him,” he said.

“He definitely had some hamstring tightness and he needed 48 hours for that to settle down. He’s in good shape and barring getting through the next couple of days, then I expect him to play.

“Lockie has been enormous for us. It is his first World Cup as well and I’ve just been delighted that every time he’s come on to bowl, he’s looked like he’s going to make a difference out there.

“Whether that’s through pace, whether that’s through creating pressure for the other person at the other end – he always has been looking likely and hopefully he can do that again against India.”

Stead was also keen to stress his faith in opening batsman Martin Guptill, who has struggled for form after opening the tournament with an unbeaten knock of 73 against Sri Lanka.

“Martin’s got a lot of ODI hundreds and he has been a key player for us in the past. Our job as support staff is to get him in the right frame of mind,” said Stead.

“He’ll go out and express himself and who knows, if he makes 150 in the next game, then we probably won’t be talking about this anymore.

“People go through form slumps and heights all the time. He’s had a tough tournament but there’s nothing from my point of view that suggests that’s going to continue for a long period of time.”

Having lost their last three games of the round-robin stage, New Zealand have been described by some as the weakest of the teams to qualify for the semi-final stage.

But Stead is more than happy to let the Black Caps be considered the underdogs as they attempt to reach their second World Cup final, following their defeat to Australia in the 2015 showpiece.

"We’ve got a couple of afternoons to be ready for India now,” he said.

“I’m just excited about it as India are a quality team and there’s no doubt they’ve got match-winners throughout their line-up.

“I said from the very start, whoever we play, we’re going to have to be somewhere near our very best to beat them but that’s the excitement, that’s the challenge in front of us.

“Hopefully, you’ll see what Kiwis are made of out there and our never-say-die attitude; we will stand up when we need to. There are no second chances now, are there?

“People aren’t expecting us to win and from my point of view, I think that’s a good place to be because if that’s the case, we can go out there and play with some real freedom.”

 

[Justcrazy]

Kiwis have to play out of there skin here to win against India.

If I was Kiwi coach I would play this team.

Guptil
Latham
Nicholos
Williamson
Taylor
Neesham
Grandhome
Santher
Ferguson
Henry
Boult

I will open with Latham. And may be even put Neesham up the order.

 

[Captain caveman]

So if the above turns out to be your pipedreams, will you then accept how pathetic a cricket analyst you are? not to mention, a hot headed cricket fan without any understanding of the game?

Its a prediction, its not set in stone!
I am a wonderful analyst of the game, but no one can see into the future!
Also, my predictions may be wrong as i am BIASED!!

 

[Captain caveman]

A trick for NZ , open with grandhomme and play munro in grandhome position!

 

[Sarwar89]

It is a cloudy rainy day.
Boult will create issues. Nzl to win narrowly

 

[jnaveen1980]

It is a cloudy rainy day.
Boult will create issues. Nzl to win narrowly

These "supposedly cloud days" were the reason lot of teams chose to bowl first and failed spectacularly lol

 

[WengerOut]

I was wondering whether these supposed "cloudy" days are applicable only to Indian batsmen and NZ bowlers.

 

[Revolution]

Kohli said Chahal was "rested" for the SL game. Means he'll most likely play the SF. Should India play 2 spinners? Kuldeep or Jadeja?

Middle order: DK or Jadhav?

Tough decision !! I would take risk and give chance to Agarwal.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Will Kane Williamson avenge 2008 Under-19 World Cup semifinal loss to Virat Kohli

11 years ago, Kohli lead Indianto victory against Kane Williamson lead NZ in the Under-19 World Cup - 2008

India went on to tin that cup

 

[Aman]

Going to be hilarious if we somehow win and make the Final at India's expense.

We have nothing to lose, play without fear and take it to the Indians

 

[BaankeJi]

Going to be hilarious if we somehow win and make the Final at India's expense.

We have nothing to lose, play without fear and take it to the Indians

Why will it be hillarious??

 

[jnaveen1980]

Why will it be hillarious??

He accepts his team fluked their way into semis.

 

[rhony]

He accepts his team fluked their way into semis.

Lol. Everybody knows that. What playing "without fear" means though? Are they expecting India to be afriad or was NZ playing with fear earlier? There's pressure and the big players know how to deal.with pressure. And, there are big players on each side. Many think Boult is key considering the possible overcast conditions. I think it's perfect. It will make the game an even contest and toss will not be an easy decision. Can't wait!!

 

[latecut]

Weather conditions it seems is helping New Zealand to make it an even contest.

 

[rhony]

If the forecast holds, expect India to play 3 seamers and possibly Jadeja to bolster batting. This bowling will be relentless. Indian batting needs to be careful against Boult. The rest are non threatening

 

[Slog]

I see what you did there

I mean it really is tho.

It would be one of the great cricketing upsets if India lose this.

But the easiest semi final matchup goes to India v Kenya in 2003

 

[Slog]

If India/Aus reach the Finals I hope it doesn't get rained out like in 2003.

India lost cuz of rain?

 

[Slog]

Overcast conditions def bring Boult and Ferguson into the game. NZ are no pushovers for sure. If their bowling finds good purchase due to the conditions, their shaky batting (atm) should be sufficient to win.

I mean obv they aren’t pushovers they’re in semi. But it’s stacked in favor of India.

Like if India lose to Aus or even Eng in finals it’s disappointing but understandable. But from cricketing point of view gulf between NZ and India is too big

 

[WengerOut]

India lost cuz of rain?

Raining sixes

 

[Slog]

Only way and I mean only way NZ is winning is if they get to bowl first and Boult and Ferguson get India all out under 200.

I guarantee, I guarantee that if NZ bat first or are chasing 300+ they will be all out under 250. Most likely under 200. The batsmen are mental midgets.

 

[jnaveen1980]

India will block the favorite short third man spot of Kane williamson. India completely choked Kane in NZ with that extra fielder.

 

[Ab Fan]

India are favourites IMO, but we are still pending for an off-day and a Guptill/Taylor/Boult special can knock us out of the tournament.

 

[KohliKafan]

it was a cloudy rainy day during Australia v Pakistan, India v Pakistan & yet batting team made 300 both times

 

[KohliKafan]

off day? As if making 228 v afg , 268 v west indies , allowing sri lanka to score 264 after being 54-4 wasnt off enough? loosing to england wasnt off enough? Kohli , Rohit , Bumrah , KL , Pant & Pandya specials are more than enough for an easy victory & i would still want a well fought win

 

[KohliKafan]

bowlers isnt the problem for either one of the team. on their day Bumrah, Shami & Bhuvi can clean up NZ under 150 which they have done multiple times in NZ this year only. its all about who bats well & who handles pressure well. If india bats first & score 260-270. it can be a good game & same goes for NZ. Neither of the team will score 300 or anything above that.

 

[KohliKafan]

there is no upset. both teams are well balanced and have got match winners in their side. the only thing that edges india a little bit are the two spinners and that is all tbh. Both Kane & Ross are as good as Kohli & Rohit on the given day. both of us has a fragile middle order which can either spark or fuss on the given day. both of the teams have brilliant pacers which can destory a batting team on the given day so its all about who does well under pressure.

 

[MP2011]

I for one, would take any knockout game with utmost seriousness, even if it is against Kenya. They are called knockouts for a reason.

We all remember how Cairns pulled out the rug beneath our feet in CT '00.

 

[RamLakhan]

Assuming England makes it to the finals beating Australia then India will have to beat the two teams which they haven't beaten in the league stage (lost to England & also lost to NZ in practice game!) So the law of averages/toss/fortune may get in favor of India hopefully! For me (in my personal opinion) I am feared only about Australia (all those harsh memories in the past playing against them in World Cups will come to my mind! Lets hope our current players are not ruffled by those & will actually play positively considering they have better record against Australia in the recent past with the first ever test series victory!) It is better England shut them off so that I will be more relaxed (England lost to Australia in league stage, so the probability of England winning now is bright!) Looking at all these possibilities I am positive about India winning the cup for third time (and this team deserves this except some passengers in the side!)

 

[MenInG]

Daniel Vettori: New Zealand have no time to waste in semi-final against India

How do you turn momentum and confidence around for a team on a three-match losing run?

New Zealand arrive in the semi-finals as the outsiders, but make no mistake about it, they will still have high hopes.

When you get on a bad run as team, you have to return to the individual.

If one man can find a performance, then that can permeate its way through to the whole team very quickly and build confidence, often within a game.

A three-match losing streak can evaporate pretty quickly with a great ten overs at the start.

Just look at South Africa against Australia this past weekend. The Proteas have been in all sorts of strife this World Cup but the way they started that game gave them huge confidence to go on and get over the line.

That is why the start of the semi-final between India and New Zealand is going to be so important.

If New Zealand get off to a great start, with bat or ball, the streak will soon be forgotten.

Let’s look at the batting first of all.

Martin Guptill is a guy who has so much support and faith around him, the whole of the New Zealand public, let alone his teammates, will be backing him.

He has done it before so many times, and knowing him as I do, I am sure he can turn it around again and very quickly it will become a different story.

Don’t forget he actually started this tournament pretty well with an unbeaten half century against Sri Lanka, so he doesn’t have to look back all that far for proof of what he can still do at this level.

England against India at Edgbaston probably showed New Zealand the way to approach setting a big total.

Jasprit Bumrah is basically unplayable at this stage, and against England he was his usual economical self.

But despite that, England targeted everyone else. They were aggressive from the off against the spinners, against Hardik Pandya and they even got to Mohammed Shami at the death as well.

I am fairly confident Shami will come back into the side to face New Zealand, he had a very good series down there at the start of the year.

But New Zealand have got all the ingredients in place to put on a big total. I know they haven’t done it yet.

But let’s be optimistic and look at it like this: Kane Williamson always scores runs, and you more often than not you can say the same about Ross Taylor.

The two all-rounders Jimmy Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme have both impressed at different times with the bat this World Cup and Tom Latham also got some runs at last against England.

Judging by that South Africa v Australia game on the weekend, the Old Trafford pitch is going to be a good one.

The Black Caps have the plan in place to post something big, it just all needs to come together at the right time.

Then with the ball, they will have to be aggressive right from the outset and bowl to take wickets.

If you take early wickets and can get at that Indian middle order then you have a chance.

But it is all very well saying that, the hard part is actually going out and doing it.

Some people might have perceived the way India start slowly as cautious, but in fact what is actually happening is India are the best in the business at assessing conditions, working out what a good score is and then batting accordingly.

Yes they have started slowly, but they always make it up at the back end and post big scores. And if you don’t get to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli early you are going to be in trouble.

They know who they want to attack and when they want to attack.

That is a real credit to them as a batting unit because plenty of other teams go out there and just go hard regardless of the conditions. India like to assess it and build what they think is an appropriate score from that.

The key will be Trent Boult, he knows these Indian batsmen extremely well at this point. They have played each other many times in international cricket and the IPL and he, along with Kane and the coaching staff, will have plans in place.

They have to stay aggressive, bowl to get wickets and let Trent work his magic at the start, in the middle and at the death where his reverse swing, yorkers and now a knuckle ball as well, mark him out as one of the world’s premier white-ball bowlers.

The only problem is India have one of them too in Bumrah – keep a close eye on their battle because whoever comes out on top will go a long way to putting their team in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final 2019.

© ICC Business Corporation FZ LLC 2019. All rights reserved

 

[captain.hansolo]

1.KL Rahul
2.Rohit Sharma
3.Virat Kohli
4.MS Dhoni (wk)
5.Mayank Agarwal
6.Rishabh Pant
7.Hardik Pandya
8.Kuldeep Yadav
9.Yuzvendra Chahal
10.Jasprit Bumrah
11.Mohammad Shami

how do you rationalize bringing in a player who has not played a single world cup game, let alone a warm up game, into the fold for a semi final?

lol what logic is that?

 

[Ab Fan]

off day? As if making 228 v afg , 268 v west indies , allowing sri lanka to score 264 after being 54-4 wasnt off enough? loosing to england wasnt off enough? Kohli , Rohit , Bumrah , KL , Pant & Pandya specials are more than enough for an easy victory & i would still want a well fought win

Losing to England wasn't off day. We were outplayed by England team who made full utilization of conditions favourable to their game and the toss advantage which is huge on a flat pitch, bat first games.

Afghanistan fought well in that match and we were doing some experiments as well due to injuries.

We defeated West Indies by 125 runs. How is that an off-day?

The win vs SL was a convincing one as well. We are not playing gully-level teams, so it is not possible that we will dominate teams(even weaker teams) over a full course of 100 overs.

 

[Ab Fan]

India will go with:-

Rahul
Rohit
Kohli
Pant
Dhoni (wkt)
Jadhav
Pandya
Jadeja
Kul/Cha
Shami
Bumrah

 

[Mamoon]

I think this will be much closer than people think. New Zealand won’t allow India to walk over them.

 

[AAli98]

Contest is Boult v rohit/kohli (due to be cloudy tomorrow) id add Southee in the team aswell.

Locky will take care of the rest of the overated Ind batsman!

 

[Iamcoolwhiz]

Why do people think India does not have the arsenal to use the over cast conditions. Bumrah Shami and bhuvi are more than enough for NZ. India is no longer a batsmen heavy team. We will reply yorker with yorker and bouncer with bouncer.

 

[Nov15]

Why do people think India does not have the arsenal to use the over cast conditions. Bumrah Shami and bhuvi are more than enough for NZ. India is no longer a batsmen heavy team. We will reply yorker with yorker and bouncer with bouncer.

Only because Boult can be lethal with the new ball. If top 3 fail inside PP1, India's middle order can't be trusted to put on 250.

 

[MenInG]

Have voted for NZ - I feel toss could give NZ the advantage they need.

 

[BalluBalleBaaz]

If the wicket have been covered for more than 2 days then clouds dont matter. It will spin. My guess is Kulcha to put handbrakes on NZ charge.

 

[arunpsm]

I was wondering whether these supposed "cloudy" days are applicable only to Indian batsmen and NZ bowlers.

Apparently! I guess Pak and some other fans want India's bowling unit to walk through fire and come out unscathed before they agree we have a better bowling unit and they can exploit conditions better.

 

[captain.hansolo]

We played Kenya in semis in 2003..

We played Pakistan in 2011...

 

[ARK Rafay]

New Zealand has no chance, except if this happens.

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series...8/india-vs-new-zealand-world-cup-warm-up-2019

 

[battler]

Rahul, Rohit and kohli vs Boult and Ferguson should decide the match. If India play them out without losing too many wickets even if they go at a slow run rate I expect us to win. All eyes on Boult.

 

[shaaik]

Virat Kohli pre-match press conference

Q. Good morning. 11 years before in Malaysia, U19 World Cup, the two captains are now the same captains in different tournament at the World Cup. Could you anticipate that this will repeat in 2019? Can you tell us the journey?
VIRAT KOHLI: No, not at all. Actually, I'll remind Kane also, I'm sure he remembers, when we meet tomorrow I'm going to remind him. It is quite a nice thing to realise that 11 years after we captaining our respective nations again in a Senior World Cup from U19. So yeah, we have spoken about it before. A lot of players from that whole World Cup, from our batch, from their batch, from other teams as well, made it to the national teams and are still playing, which is I think a great thing to see.

Yes, so I think it's a really nice memory and we'll both feel good about knowing that this is happening and no-one, neither me nor him, could have ever anticipated that one day this will happen, but yeah it is a really nice thing.

Q. You got his wicket?
VIRAT KOHLI: I got Kane's wicket? Did I? (Laughter).

Q. Yes.
VIRAT KOHLI: I don't know if that can happen again now (laughter).

Q. How is the mood in the side? How did you guys react to the last-minute change in travel plans from Leeds to Birmingham coming here?
VIRAT KOHLI: We are very happy because it was only one hour compared to three hours on the bus. So very happy with the change in travel and Manchester is a great city to be in also, so all the guys were very happy.

The mood is great. Everyone is very relaxed, very confident. And look, all the teams worked hard to get to these moments and now whoever plays better on the day we know that things are as simple or as complicated as that. So, we are all looking forward to it.

It's been a long tournament, it's been a lot of hard work, a lot of intense games, so yeah, we are really, really happy that we have made it to the semis and now there's only opportunity that lies in front of us and everyone is very excited for it.

Q. When you remind Kane, remind him of the result also, the U19s. Is there a change in mindset when you approach a knockout compared to what you have played so far in terms of the nine games of the pool stages? If so, how does the team sort of prepare for a knockout and you have no chance to slip?
VIRAT KOHLI: Well, it is a little bit different, if I have to be totally honest. League stages, when you know that you need a victory to qualify, the team is a bit more relaxed and you know you can go out then and try a few things. But I think knockout games you need to be very precise at the same time being intense. So I think that balance...

This is more similar to, you know, the toughest situations you get in Test cricket where you have to be absolutely precise but your intent cannot go down so decision-making will be crucial.

Both teams are experienced enough to have played these games. New Zealand were in the final last time and they know how to play knockout games, they have had a wonderful World Cup again. So they are a quality side.

But on the day, whichever team is more brave in being calculated I think that team stands a better chance to win. So yeah, we understand that combination. We have made it to a lot of knockout games and finals. So it is up to both the teams to bring their A-game and whoever handles pressure better is the team that is going to come out on top. We certainly are looking forward to doing that.

Q. What is your assessment of the New Zealand attack? How do you sum up the performance of the Indian attack so far?
VIRAT KOHLI: Well, according to me, our bowling attack has been up there with the best, if not the best bowling attack in the competition. I think the way we have bowled in low-scoring games, even coming back into the match when the guys have been hit, I think they have shown a lot of character.

And the New Zealand attack has always been a very balanced bowling attack. Their pacers are very consistent. Mitchell Santner brings in a lot of control with his skills in the middle overs. So they are a team which has always been a very consistent team, so we know that against them we'll have to be very, very disciplined, at the same time we will have to play very correct cricket to score runs against them because they are bowling good lines and lengths and they know what they are doing.

So we have to be sure of what we are doing and that's the kind of challenge that the team brings. They put the ball in the right areas and then make you play good shots. So, it's going to be a nice battle.

We have played against them a lot. But they are a quality side and very, very potent bowling attack.

Q. Personally, you have never not been in a World Cup semi, so what was the mood like after the win in Mohali and after the loss in Sydney?
VIRAT KOHLI: Very, obviously, very contrasting. The win in Mohali was my first World Cup and we make it to the finals and playing at home and the whole atmosphere was brilliant so getting to experience that for me as a youngster was something magnificent.

2015, I was more of an established player and not being able to get the team across the line was obviously very disappointing for all of us.

This time around, because the format has been different, and we understand the tournament has been long, guys have put in a lot of effort day in day out and to realise we have achieved the first goal that we wanted to which was to qualify for the semis, that gives you an extra boost of energy.

Now we can focus totally on the remaining two games that we have in the tournament and try to bring our A-game and take up the intensity even more.

I think those -- that incentive is very important to realise as a team that you have done what you wanted to do as a first goal. And now you can be even more intense and energetic when you step on to the field. It gives you more energy knowing we are entering the last phase of the tournament. Bodies are not going to be as fresh but these kind of things motivate you even further to put in more energy so we are quite happy after qualifying.

Q. Rohit has got five hundreds so far. It is unusual you haven't got any. Are you missing the hundred, considering the consistency with which you get them?
VIRAT KOHLI: No, not at all. It's been a different kind of role that I've had to play in this World Cup and, as the captain of the team, I have been open to playing any kind of role that the team wants me to, so it's great that Rohit is scoring so consistently which means that coming in the later half of the innings you have to play a different role which is controlling the middle overs and letting guys like Hardik, Kedar, MS in the past few games, and now Rishabh, come out and express themselves.

So I have understood that roles can vary a lot in one-day cricket, depending on the time you step into bat, and I have been very happy with holding one end and letting guys express themselves striking at 150, 160 or 200 if the team needs and I can accelerate in the end.

Personal milestones honestly is something that no-one ever focuses on. Rohit said the same thing the other day. He is only trying to do the best for the team and in that process special things happen which is something that I have always believed in in my career so far and I could never imagine that I could get the number of hundreds I have and the only focus has always been the team.

So I think playing a team sport you need to adapt and I'm very happy doing that role and I hope he gets two more so we can win two more games (smiling). It's an outstanding achievement. I have never seen anyone get five hundreds in a World Cup, be any tournament, so World Cup is all the more pressure and he has been outstanding and he deserves all the credit. According to me, he is at the moment the top ODI player in the world.

Q. Back to the 2008 U19 game, I know you said that you didn't envisage you playing off against Kane again. Did you see him at that time as being a future superstar and how crucial is getting him out early to you guys winning the game?
VIRAT KOHLI: Yeah, absolutely. It's not even 2008, I remember 2007 we went to New Zealand and we were playing an U19 Test match and he played a shot off one of our fast bowlers, who was quick, off the back foot and I remember standing in slips and telling guys standing at slip, "I have never seen anyone play a shot like that" and he was special, along with a couple more guys, which didn't make it surprisingly.

But he was always the stand-out player and you could see when we played New Zealand in New Zealand on that U19 tour and the World Cup again he was quite special for them. So we always knew he has the special ability to go all the way and now he's controlling the tempo of the game for New Zealand every game that he plays and he's contributing so well.

And he's a lovely guy. We get along very well. So he's always been the main guy for them, along with Ross, who has performed really consistently as well. Those two guys have shared the load so far and a lot will depend on them obviously because they have been playing well and according to us, getting both of them early will be crucial because we know how strong they can be together in a partnership.

Yeah, it's -- not to mention here, but Kane and Ross are probably their main guys in the batting line-up.

Q. The pressure on your team to perform is immense, I guess it is similar to the New Zealand All Blacks team at a World Cup. How do you think Indian fans would feel if India lost at this stage in the tournament to New Zealand?
VIRAT KOHLI: Exactly the way New Zealand fans would feel if they lost (laughter). It's quite natural. Everyone feels disappointed when you come to a stage of a tournament like this and you don't make it through.

But look, yeah, the Indian team always carries a lot of pressure and expectation wherever we play and we are quite used to that over the years to be honest.

Yeah, we are better off -- I think we are better equipped to react well in these situations because we know what these kind of games and our fanbase and the expectations brings, so I think disappointment is equal on either side.

I wouldn't agree if you said New Zealand won't be disappointed if they lose. Our aim and our focus is obviously on winning and, as I said, whichever team plays better will win.

Q. Your fifth game in less than two weeks. You have been travelling a bit as well. What have you done to retain your physical and mental freshness?
VIRAT KOHLI: Well, again, this turnaround was very fast after the last game, a day of travel, today one practice day, so guys, depending on the workloads which is provided by our trainers and physios, we understand which player needs to take a break from practice because having played so many games you don't necessarily need to go hit balls again because you have practiced so much, you have played in the middle as well.

Same for the bowlers. I mean, it is about staying fresh now, mentally understanding that your body feels good and that mental cushioning that you have knowing that you can put in all your energy on game day is very crucial.

I think adjusting, according to your schedule in terms of taking off from practice and managing rest days, is the most crucial thing and that is something we have done well and that is why our energy levels have been able to stay right up there. Guys not coming for optional practices and stuff has really helped because you can easily come to practice and exert yourself and not recover in time.

Those things are very crucial especially when you are on the road so much in between games as well and I think we have managed it well so far.

Q. You have played New Zealand quite a few times in the recent past. How do you find it is when you play an opposition in a bilateral series and in a World Cup game?
VIRAT KOHLI: For the Indian team, every game is full of pressure, so we have never felt like any game has been easy for us at all.

I can't remember the last time I stepped on to the field and felt like "It doesn't matter what happens in this game." For the Indian team there are always full stadiums and people expect you to do well, and there is always pressure, as well as opportunity. So as I said, we are well-equipped to handle those kind of situations.

But I think a World Cup knockout game brings that much more attention and excitement on the outside and the atmosphere is going to be very different from a bilateral series. So just to be able to soak that in and focus on what we need to do is going to be probably, going to be the only challenge that we face in terms of it being different from a bilateral series.

But otherwise you have to play good cricket to win a game of cricket and that's been our focus this World Cup and I don't think we would change that because it's a knockout game, it is very important to treat it as a game of cricket and do what we are known to do.

Q. As a batting unit, you guys pride yourself to be very flexible and we have seen that over the last two years and there have been a lot of changes in this tournament, Rahul moving up, you know the changes. How would you describe the evolution of your batting line-up in this tournament and how has it impacted the way you have batted personally?
VIRAT KOHLI: I'm glad you didn't say "Is it the ideal 11?" (Smiling). But jokes apart, look, as I said, I mean, having played 10 years, 11 years in the team now, it's my responsibility to play a role according to the team's needs and I have been very happy if I walk in in a situation where I understand that I need to play in a certain manner, I'm open to do that because I have walked in a few times as a No. 4 so I have had to control the innings in the middle overs and I have learnt so much in this World Cup, along with spending time in the middle that okay, this is also a role that you are supposed to play and when situation arises you have to do that for the other guys to express themselves knowing that one I'm controlling an end and holding it to the end.

So yeah, it's been nice, it's been a different kind of a challenge for me and I have really enjoyed it rotating strike and understanding how to play in those middle overs, and allowing the others guys to come out and express. Hardik is at 4, now Rishabh is batting at 4 so these guys can strike from ball one knowing that they have a lot of batting behind them.

And I think to go a long way in a tournament like this you need to be flexible, especially going with the situation of the game. You can't have a set batting order from ball one to ball 300 because a lot of situations change and I think we've handled it well.

We have gone along with the pace of the game and that is why we have won the number of games that we have had and we intend to do the same.

If the situation presents itself where the opening partnership is outstanding and someone needs to go at No 3 and strike the ball, it is absolutely open to do that. So to win a tournament like this you need to be very flexible and think on your feet and I think we have done that well so far and hopefully we can do the same thing in two more games.

Q. All the matches here have been won by the team batting first. Are you worried the toss might be too important? I know India have chased well on occasion. Why do you think batting second has been so difficult for so many sides at this World Cup?
VIRAT KOHLI: Well, it comes back to the same point, handling pressure. You make two bad decisions while you are chasing and the game goes away from you, too far to pull it back. So I assume that that is going to be the case because having been in so many chases, I understand that the pressure can be very high if you don't go with the pace of the game and then understanding the magnitude of the tournament like this you probably are going to end up making a couple of mistakes and the opposition is not going to let you off after that.

So we are not worried about the toss. It is an uncontrollable. You can't predict what is going to happen at the toss. We have to be prepared both ways and we are quite open to do that. And if it is a factor, it's a factor, so we can't say if we lose the toss, we have no hope because we should believe enough in ourselves as a side to overcome any kind of situation. So I think all teams prepare in that manner. It's a stat which I think is connected to pressure and not the pitch, to be very honest.

Q. The last two games you played with five bowlers. There was no fall-back option. Given this is a knockout game, is there a chance of reviewing the plan and is there a chance the two spinners coming back?
VIRAT KOHLI: It is quite possible. Yes, we played with five bowling options because it gives us more depth in batting and mentioning the toss factor as well, if you are chasing a big total, then you need a bit more depth in batting.

So yes, we played with five. We are up to reviewing that. Otherwise... I was just told I got Kane out so I can bowl any time. I'm quite little. As long as I don't slip on the pitch (smiling).

Yes, having said that, it's open for a discussion because we need to be very balanced with what we take into the field. At the same time, we need to make sure that the battling is deep enough for us to be chasing a score and being solid about that also.

Five bowlers has worked well, but it's up for discussion.

Q. There's been a lot of talk about MS, the batsman. I want to talk about MS, the personality in the team. This might be his last World Cup for all we know.
VIRAT KOHLI: Thank you.

Q. What is it -- I'm not talking about the pressure -- what is it like, the mood in the camp? Yesterday he celebrated his birthday. How much does it weigh on you as a captain and the dressing room knowing that this might be his last World Cup? What do you want to give him? Like you gave a statement about Tendulkar in 2011 after winning the World Cup. Is there something special that you want to send him off with?
VIRAT KOHLI: I didn't prepare that one in 2011 so I'm certainly not going to write anything down. But yeah, I'm sure everyone, if you asked them about him, they have special things to say. And especially for us who started our careers under him. For us that doesn't change. The respect will always be there because of the opportunities that he gave us and the faith that he showed in us and the way he's handled the whole team in transition over so many years.

And now we are the ones who are taking Indian cricket forward. We understand the importance of that process. So I'm glad you asked about MS, the personality, because a lot has been in focus otherwise.

But yeah, look, when a person has done so much for the team you have to appreciate and acknowledge what he's done for Indian cricket and how he's handled Indian cricket and taken the respect for Indian cricket so high all over the world.

So yeah, from that point of view, we are all very grateful for what he's done for Indian cricket and for us. And he's always been in a very happy, jovial mood all the time whenever we see him and yesterday again was a very happy moment for him, for the whole team, to see a smile on his face and he's in a very comfortable, very happy space at the moment.

I'm not thinking of anything apart from that because the main focus right now is to do what we need to do tomorrow and then on to another one hopefully and yeah, just have a good World Cup.

But from the respect point of view for MS, it's always going to be sky-high, especially in my eyes, because I know how difficult it can be to make a transition of captaining also, you know, within the same team, just playing as a player after being captain for so many years and still not being too assertive or too pushy in anything. He gives you space to make your own decisions and to actually discover yourself, so I think that's been his biggest quality.

At the same time, I go ask him anything, he's there giving me advice and he's never shying away from that. So yeah, he's been outstanding and I'm delighted that I have been able to play for so many years alongside him.

 

[Kriketer]

The way Kiwi have played in the past couple of games, it doesn't look like a semi-finalist team neither is deserving. Should be a walk in the park for India. They will not just beat NZ, but thrash them.

 

[shaaik]

India vs New Zealand head to head - how the two semi-finalists match up

India and New Zealand face off in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 – and it is a mouth-watering match-up long in the making.

India and New Zealand have not played each other at a World Cup since 2003

New Zealand have won four World Cup meetings between the pair and India three

India and New Zealand face off in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 – and it is a mouth-watering match-up long in the making.

The two sides’ group stage clash at Trent Bridge fell foul of the weather last month, so the wait for a first World Cup meeting since 2003 went on.

But there will be plenty on the line, not least a spot in the World Cup final, when the two sides do finally lock horns on Tuesday at Old Trafford.


Recent history

The two sides had not met in ODI cricket since 2017 until a five-match series at the start of this year Down Under.

And if those games are anything to go by, it is India who hold the edge in the head-to-heads.

They won that series 4-1, including playing the last two games without a rested Virat Kohli as Rohit Sharma took over captaincy duties temporarily.

Mohammed Shami, so impressive in his efforts during this World Cup, was the man of the series in New Zealand.

With Jasprit Bumrah – like Kohli – rested for the series, Shami took over the senior seamer role and was a key cog in the series win.
Kulpdeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal both enjoyed success in that series as well, so it remains to be seen if that will influence selection decisions for the semi-final.

The Black Caps struggled for runs in that series, not once did they pass 300 and the same problems have followed them to the World Cup where they are also waiting to pass that figure.

Overall, India have won six of the last seven ODIs the two sides have played but a closer inspection of their World Cup meetings makes for prettier reading for New Zealand.


World Cup woes

In seven World Cup meetings between these two sides, it is the Black Caps who have the better record.
They have won four clashes to India’s three in matches dominated by the chasing side.

Six of the seven encounters have been won by the team batting second, but as we have seen in England this summer, that has not always been the best option.

And despite their seven previous encounters, 2019 will be the first time the two sides have met in the semi-finals.


1975 – Manchester match-up

Coincidentally, it was also at Old Trafford that India and New Zealand first locked horns in a World Cup.

In a Group A meeting that India had to win to make the knockout rounds, they could only manage a total of 230 from their 60 overs, Syed Abid Ali clubbing a late-order 70 to get them there.

And when Glenn Turner anchored the Black Caps’ chase with an unbeaten 114, victory and a semi-final spot was theirs with four wickets and seven balls remaining.


1979 – Leeds lockdown

Four years later and once again the Black Caps emerged on top, dominating the early years of this burgeoning rivalry.

India again batted first but Sunil Gavaskar’s stubborn half century was the best they could manage in a total of 182 all out.

In response, Bruce Edgar accrued a unbeaten knock of 84 in an eight-wicket win, although it took the Black Caps 57 overs to get over the line as India were again sent packing at the group stages while the Kiwis advanced once more to the final four.

1987 – double delight

Four years after becoming world champions for the first time, India hosted the 1987 World Cup and met New Zealand twice in the group stage.

And both times they emerged on top, first in a 16-run in Bangalore that owed much to Kapil Dev’s unbeaten later order fireworks.
And then in Nagpur two weeks later, it was Chetan Sharma’s hat-trick that caught the eye along with a Gavaskar hundred in a nine-wicket win.


1992 – Dunedin delight

Fast forward to New Zealand hosting in 1992, and in the only game of the tournament held in Carisbrook, it was the home side who again dominated.
Sachin Tendulkar made 84 out of India’s total of 230/6 but the Black Caps chase was smooth and serene.

Mark Greatbatch was the star man with 73 as New Zealand ended up topping the points table while India were out before the knockout rounds.


1999 – Superb drama

It was in 1999, the last time the World Cup was in England, that India and New Zealand first met beyond the group stages.

This time it was in the Super Sixes and once again the Black Caps were moving on while India were given their marching orders.

Ajay Jadeja hit a half century for India as they made 251/6 but Matt Horne and Roger Twose’s half centuries claimed New Zealand a five-wicket win with ten balls remaining.

2003 – Centurion authority

New Zealand might have the wood on India in World Cups overall.

But the most recent clash 16 years ago at Centurion saw India turn the tide in the Super Sixes.

Zaheer Khan knocked over New Zealand for only 146, the left-armer at the peak of his powers in taking 4/42.

And India rattled of the chase for the loss of only three wickets, Mohammad Kaif and Rahul Dravid to the fore to help India into the semi-finals and send New Zealand home.

 

[MenInG]

Kohli looking forward to renewing 12-year rivalry with New Zealand skipper Williamson

Rohit Sharma is the leading runs scorer at this World Cup with five centuries and 647 runs in total
Even Virat Kohli admits he could never have predicted that he and Kane Williamson would be lining up against one another as captain in an ICC Men’s World Cup semi-final, 11 years after doing so at Under-19 level.

It was in the unusual setting of Malaysia that the pair led their respective sides in back in 2008, an occasion notable for Kohli dismissing Williamson in a three-wicket success.

Since then, the pair have combined to score 33840 international runs and 99 centuries, and they will carry the hopes of their nations on their shoulders at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

It has been quite a journey since that meeting, but for Kohli, the first indication that Williamson was a special batsman came a year earlier on an Under-19 tour of New Zealand.

He recalled: “I remember in 2007 we went to New Zealand and we were playing an Under-19 Test match and Kane played a shot off one of our fast bowlers, who was quick, off the back foot.

“I remember standing in slips and telling guys standing at slip: “I have never seen anyone play a shot like that,” and he was special, along with a couple more guys, which didn't make it surprisingly.

“But he was always the stand-out player and you could see when we played New Zealand in New Zealand on that Under-19 tour and the World Cup again he was quite special for them.

“So we always knew he has the special ability to go all the way and now he's controlling the tempo of the game for New Zealand every game that he plays and he's contributing so well.

“He's a lovely guy. We get along very well. So he's always been the main guy for them, along with Ross (Taylor), who has performed really consistently as well. Those two guys have shared the load so far and a lot will depend on them obviously because they have been playing well and getting both of them early will be crucial because we know how strong they can be together in a partnership.

“I'll remind Kane (about 2008), I'm sure he remembers. It is quite a nice thing to realise that 11 years later we are captaining our respective nations again in a senior World Cup from Under-19s.

“It's a really nice memory and we'll both feel good about knowing that this is happening and no-one, neither me nor him, could have ever anticipated that one day this will happen.”

It has been an unusual World Cup for Kohli, who has scored consistently but not yet made it to three figures.

Instead Rohit Sharma has led the way with a record five centuries to help India to top spot at the end of the group stages.

Kohli remains top of the ICC’s Men’s ODI batting rankings, just ahead of Sharma, but the captain believes his opener has now established himself as the best white-ball player in the world, with Kohli happy to play a support role alongside him.

He added: “It's been a different kind of role that I've had to play in this World Cup and, as the captain of the team, I have been open to playing any kind of role that the team wants me to.

“It's great that Rohit is scoring so consistently which means that coming in the later half of the innings you have to play a different role which is controlling the middle overs and letting guys like Hardik (Pandya), Kedar (Jadhav), MS (Dhoni) in the past few games, and now Rishabh (Pant), come out and express themselves.

“I think playing a team sport you need to adapt and I'm very happy doing that role and I hope he gets two more so we can win two more games. It's an outstanding achievement.

“I have never seen anyone get five hundreds in a World Cup, or any tournament.

“He has been outstanding and he deserves all the credit. According to me, he is at the moment the top ODI player in the world.”

 

[Chokli]

how do you rationalize bringing in a player who has not played a single world cup game, let alone a warm up game, into the fold for a semi final?

lol what logic is that?

Because he is a suitable replacement.

 

[Chokli]

India lost cuz of rain?

Indian innings were a washout

 

[KI_playa]

India may play a 6th bowling option. It's a gamble and too much of a risk to go into Semis without a backup. So Jadeja or Kedar could be that option. Most likely Jadeja comes in for DK as he did well against NZ in the warmup, plus he adds a lot in the field saving runs, catching difficult ones and is good for 30-40 runs as well besides economical bowling/wickets. Shami has done well at Old trafford and against Kiwis so he's surely playing (esp as the weather is expected to be overcast all day). Bhuvi may also play as he adds some batting to the tail and in swinging/seaming conditions (cloud cover) he can be handy. Kul/Cha is a toss up. Probably Chahal plays as Kuldeep is low on confidence after two sub par games (He's a confidence bowler..w/o it he's less effective). Mayank is a long shot - he did practice in the nets at OT - but he will only come in for DK (at 4 maybe) and then Jadeja sits out.

Lineup:
KL
Rohit
Virat
Pant
Hardik
MSD
Jadeja
Bhuvi
Shami
Chahal
Bumrah

 

[BalluBalleBaaz]

India may play a 6th bowling option. It's a gamble and too much of a risk to go into Semis without a backup. So Jadeja or Kedar could be that option. Most likely Jadeja comes in for DK as he did well against NZ in the warmup, plus he adds a lot in the field saving runs, catching difficult ones and is good for 30-40 runs as well besides economical bowling/wickets. Shami has done well at Old trafford and against Kiwis so he's surely playing (esp as the weather is expected to be overcast all day). Bhuvi may also play as he adds some batting to the tail and in swinging/seaming conditions (cloud cover) he can be handy. Kul/Cha is a toss up. Probably Chahal plays as Kuldeep is low on confidence after two sub par games (He's a confidence bowler..w/o it he's less effective). Mayank is a long shot - he did practice in the nets at OT - but he will only come in for DK (at 4 maybe) and then Jadeja sits out.

Lineup:
KL
Rohit
Virat
Pant
Hardik
MSD
Jadeja
Bhuvi
Shami
Chahal
Bumrah

Pretty much this lineup, i would say its a toss up betweek jadeja and kuldeep. Virat will decide tomorrow looking at the pitch but jadeja brings more to the table.

 

[BDfanforever]

Yeah last few tournaments India’s first knockout teams were BD, BD, and now NZ. Should be straightforward win for India.

Nonetheless, I feel like no team has been perfect this WC as Aus were in 2015, 2007, or Ind were in 2011.

 

[Titan24]

Kiwis have to play out of there skin here to win against India.

If I was Kiwi coach I would play this team.

Guptil
Latham
Nicholos
Williamson
Taylor
Neesham
Grandhome
Santher
Ferguson
Henry
Boult

I will open with Latham. And may be even put Neesham up the order.

Much more balanced opening combo then what NZ have been going with, Willaimson can remain at no 3 while Nicholos can bat at no 5 as he is used to that.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Pitches are either flat or too slow , so Jaddu might be better but then again both spinners will turn the ball into lefties!!

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Virat Kohli "Even in 2007 I knew that Kane Williamson had the special ability to go all the way" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/wKR2Szhdtt">pic.twitter.com/wKR2Szhdtt</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1148237844932112390?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Yeah last few tournaments India’s first knockout teams were BD, BD, and now NZ. Should be straightforward win for India.

Nonetheless, I feel like no team has been perfect this WC as Aus were in 2015, 2007, or Ind were in 2011.

Ind were not perfect in 2011. Lost to sa, tied with eng, won scrappily against ire, Ned. Semi final with pak was also a close call thanks to Drs. Without uv we wouldn't have reached semis in 2011.

 

[battler]

Yeah last few tournaments India’s first knockout teams were BD, BD, and now NZ. Should be straightforward win for India.

Nonetheless, I feel like no team has been perfect this WC as Aus were in 2015, 2007, or Ind were in 2011.

India were not perfect in 2011. We lost against SA and tied against England

 

[Sami92]

Play Blundell as an opener. Blundell actually made 106 in the warm up match against West Indies.

My XI of NZ:

1. Martin Guptill
2. Tom Blundell (WK)
3. Kane Williamson (C)
4. Ross Taylor
5. Tom Latham
6. James Neesham
7. Colin De Grandhomme
8. Mitchell Santner
9. Trent Boult
10. Lockie Ferguson
11. Matt Henry

 

[Firebat]

Williamson insists New Zealand are not worried about recent form ahead of semi-final with India

Williamson says India’s Rohit Sharma is the stand-out batsman at the tournament and New Zealand must deal with the threat he brings
New Zealand arrive in the semi-finals as the unfancied outsiders of the quartet, but skipper Kane Williamson insists the slate has been wiped clean.

The Black Caps lost their last three game in the group stage, to Pakistan, Australia and England, but qualified for the final four on net run rate regardless.

But that indifferent ICC Men's Cricket World Cup form has already been forgotten by the Black Caps – according to the skipper.

And Tuesday’s semi-final with India at Old Trafford will see New Zealand, runners-up four years ago, fully confident of toppling the pre-match favourites and returning to the biggest stage in world cricket.

“It's one of those occasions where every team has worked so hard to end up in the last four where, to a certain extent, it all starts again where the day comes and anything can happen," he said.

“All sides have beaten one another on a number of occasions throughout the last few years, so it is a really exciting opportunity for all teams.

“I think for everybody it sort of starts fresh tomorrow after what was a very tough round-robin stage, and we were certainly expecting that it would be tough.

“It's just a great occasion to be a part of. I know the guys are really excited by the opportunity to go out and try and try and play with that freedom that when we do gives us the best chance.”

For Williamson and opposite man Virat Kohli, Tuesday’s clash sees history repeating itself.

Back in 2008, these two sides met in the ICC Under-19 World Cup semis with Williamson and Kohli both skippering their sides.

India emerged victorious that day, with Kohli actually dismissing his opposite man.

Not that Williamson remembers it all that well: “I actually hadn't thought about that at all so I guess that's kind of cool, isn't it, that a few years later, we're here again, perhaps on a slightly different stage, but pretty special and a lot of respects to being able to lead your country out in a semifinal on the biggest stage.

“He (Kohli) used to be an all-rounder I think back in the day, but hasn't bowled as much recently.

“He was a formidable player, growing up -- that seems odd to say because we were at the same age playing against each other on a number of occasions and then to go into international cricket at a youngish age, then IPL and these different sorts of things.

"It's obviously been a pleasure watching Virat play and evolve into the superstar that he is.”

If the Black Caps are to down India on Tuesday, the key will be getting to their top order.

Rohit Sharma has made history already this tournament, becoming the first man to make five centuries in a single World Cup.

Kohli also made five half centuries on the spin during the tournament – but Williamson knows the importance of Sharma to India’s success.

He added: “There's a lot of parts to (dismissing him) and as a bowling unit, first and foremost, it's assessing conditions. Rohit has been clearly the stand-out batter in this tournament so far and been batting beautifully.

“But, as we know, we come into a semi-final. It is another day where both sides will be trying to adjust to the conditions as quickly as possible and both teams will be looking for early wickets regardless of what their name may be, but, without a doubt, he's been superb throughout the tournament.”

 

[Firebat]

8 July - Manchester - New Zealand Captain Kane Williamson pre-match press conference

Q. Kane, in 2008 you and Virat captained New Zealand and India in the U19 World Cup semifinal. Do you remember any of that game and would you have envisaged that you two would be here today?
KANE WILLIAMSON: Yeah, I actually hadn't thought about that at all so I guess that's kind of cool, isn't it, that a few years later, we're here again, perhaps on a slightly different stage, but pretty special and a lot of respects to being able to lead your country out in a semifinal on the biggest stage.

But I know both sides without a doubt are looking forward to getting into the challenge and yeah, it's a really exciting opportunity.

Q. Apparently, he got you out that day as well, do you remember that?
KANE WILLIAMSON: Oh dear. Tell me how (laughter). He used to be an all-rounder I think back in the day, but hasn't bowled as much recently. Yeah...

Q. Kane, how would you sum up the performance of your bowling attack so far and what is your impression of the Indian attack?
KANE WILLIAMSON: Yeah, our attack's performed really well on a real variety of surfaces where taking pace off has been really important, certainly on the round-robin stages on the surfaces we were on, so they have adapted superbly. And we will need to do that again coming into this next match and assess conditions as quickly as possible.

And the Indian bowling attack is an outstanding bowling attack, you know, with certainly a lot of world-class operators in there. As a side, they are very well-balanced with a lot of high-quality players.

It's one of those, I guess, occasions, where every team has worked so hard to end up in the last four where, to a certain extent, it all starts again where the day comes and anything can happen and all sides have beaten one another on a number of occasions throughout the last few years, so it is a really exciting opportunity for all teams.

Q. Going back to your encounters with Virat in youth cricket, what are your first memories of him? Did he obviously stand out even then?
KANE WILLIAMSON: Yeah, yeah, he was a formidable player, growing up -- that seems odd to say because we were at the same age playing against each other on a number of occasions and then to go into international cricket at a youngish age, then IPL and these different sorts of things.

So it's obviously been a pleasure watching Virat play and evolve into the superstar that he is.

Q. You have had a wonderful tournament with the bat, but some of the others, Guptill, Taylor, Latham, probably haven't produced the volume of runs we are used to seeing from them. Why is that and how important is it that they take pressure off you tomorrow against a great attack?
KANE WILLIAMSON: I think for everybody it sort of starts fresh tomorrow after what was a very tough round-robin stage, and we were certainly expecting that it would be tough. But what we didn't quite expect coming into the tournament was the large variety of conditions that we faced. That definitely made perhaps batting with any rhythm a real challenge for everybody, so being able to adapt with the bat and just trying to contribute to what would be a competitive total if you are batting first, or obviously chasing a score is certainly what is the most important thing.

And the guys' mindsets will definitely be that going into tomorrow's match and we'll have to assess conditions again. But a lot of surfaces our round-robin play were 230, 240, which were really competitive because of the nature of the track.

So, look, it's just a great occasion to be a part of. I know the guys are really excited by the opportunity to go out and try and try and play with that freedom that when we do gives us the best chance.

Q. Kane, your bowlers have not dismissed, not taken all 10 wickets since the South Africa game. Is that a concern? Are you more or less happy with the way the bowlers have kept a tight leash on the runs?
KANE WILLIAMSON: Yeah, I think the bowlers have been brilliant throughout this whole campaign. I think we know in cricket that every day is different. Some days are better than others and just trying to adapt as a unit as best you can is definitely the most important thing.

By and large, they have done that outstandingly well and I think we have seen conditions change from first innings to second innings on some occasions. That's been quite considerable. So how guys have had to operate in the start of their innings and then moving into the second half of the bowling innings has had to be quite different. By and large, they have been superb throughout.

But we know we've got a different challenge, another challenge coming up tomorrow and that's obviously a different side, but different conditions again.

Q. Kane, do you have a specific area in the game where you think it will be won and lost?
KANE WILLIAMSON: Erm, not particularly. That's definitely an unknown. For us, certainly from our perspective, it is about the cricket we want to play and if we are able to do that to the best of our abilities, then we know that we can beat anybody.

And I mentioned earlier that every side in this top four has beaten each other on a number of occasions. No side has gone through the comp unbeaten, so there are a lot of parts to it that make this top four really exciting.

And although we have qualified fourth, we have equal opportunities as anybody else to -- well, there's only two games left in the tournament so going into the tournament, with every team having nine round-robin, we knew that on any day, whether that was the team ranked, you know, lower than the team ranked higher that anybody could beat anybody and we saw on a number of occasions that happened. It is not a focus for us. Our focus once again is committing to the cricket and the style of cricket we want to play that gives us the best chance.

Q. You have said just now about playing with freedom. When you are up against India -- and there are always one or two cameras following India -- there is a level of attention that goes up a notch whenever India are playing. I wonder if in a sense that allows the opponent, whoever it is, to play with a bit more freedom because you almost, maybe any team feels like an underdog when you are up against India?
KANE WILLIAMSON: Yeah, I guess there's truth in that, that India are a very successful side and very popular side with a large population and a lot of cameras (smiling), which is great. They bring so much to the sport that we are fortunate to be a part of. But it is a cricket match.

You do try and simplify things as best you can, as a team, and it does come back to the cricket that we want to play and not too reliant on external factors and how we adapt to conditions and, you know, that is the most important thing.

You get to the last four, semifinal, each side will want to put each other under pressure and we know when that happens that the bit next can be a real challenge, so both sides will be looking to do that.

Q. Virat said earlier that you and Ross are the key wickets, do you look at it like that? How do you assess being like the focal point of the New Zealand batting line-up?
KANE WILLIAMSON: No, I don't really look at it like that. I look at my role as a role and that's one of 11 guys that do try and play their role to the best of their ability. And there's so many guys that have had significant contributions over the last few years that have gone a long way for us to win cricket matches and we all have that same opportunity going into tomorrow.

We are -- after a very busy and fairly long round-robin series, it's important that guys almost take that fresh mindset going into tomorrow with a really exciting opportunity in front of them.

Q. At this level each and every team prepares almost the same in World Cup, does it boil down to one thing, playing under pressure?
KANE WILLIAMSON: Yeah, it's hard to pinpoint one thing that stands out as being perhaps the be-all-and-end-all. I suppose both sides, both sides, every side in international cricket trains as hard as they can to give themselves the best opportunity on the day.

And often in those small moments pressure arises and can be a big play and if you do get that momentum, then that can be really important, certainly in white-ball cricket.

So, yeah, it does play a part, but there's probably a lot of parts around it that you want to address so you can handle those smaller moments as best you can.

Q. Kane, does it fire you and the team up that many people are writing you off before a ball's bowled, that India are quite big favourites for many people?
KANE WILLIAMSON: Sorry... (laughter).

I don't know if "fired up" is the right term. We are in the top four now and I think if we are reflecting back on the round-robin, we definitely deserve to be here and that's reflected in the standings.

We had a couple of tough losses coming into this part of the tournament, but we do need to look at those for what they were and there are a lot of factors there that were stiff challenges, not just the opposition but conditions as well. And trying to adapt to those as best you can is the most important thing.

So, whether we are underdogs or not, it doesn't really matter. It is about how we turn up tomorrow and look to commit to the plans that we want to implement and try and go out and play with that freedom because I mentioned earlier that every side has beaten one another on a number of occasions. It is a semifinal. There are perhaps a few more external parts to this match that are a little bit different from others, but I think the team that goes out and has that approach sticks to their plans as best they can, then that does give themselves a best chance to win a cricket match.

Q. Kane, up until less than 24 hours, sorry 48 hours ago, you guys were maybe mentally thinking you were facing Australia in the semis. Does the kind of late switch of opponent to use a better phrase, does that help you guys and give you less pressure rather than playing a trans-Tasman game where the focus may have been quite intense?
KANE WILLIAMSON: No, I think regardless, it's the semi-final of a World Cup and whoever you play, it is going to be a tough match. The top four teams have managed to get through, obviously playing some good cricket along the way and we know that we are in for a tough battle, which is great and it is to be expected and whoever you play, I think every side has the belief that you get to this point that they can go all the way and to do that you need to basically beat everybody.

So whoever the team is, it comes back to us in terms of the side we have and what cricket we want to play and hanging our hat on and if we are able to do that, who knows what the future holds for us.

Q. Kane, you just spoke about your attack exploiting the change of pace in bowling cutters. How would that change on a fresh wicket in a knockout and have you had a chance to look at the pitch and what did you make of it?
KANE WILLIAMSON: Yeah, I haven't actually seen the pitch just yet. Obviously, we will have a look fairly shortly. How that will change, I won't know until we see the pitch. Without a doubt, it will change, so it is important we do look to adapt quickly like we have done on other surfaces with bat and ball.

Q. In the last few months if there is a bowling unit that has reduced Indian top order to 18-3 or 18-4 it's been New Zealand, even in the warm-up game we saw what New Zealand can do. There is bit of rain around. How do you see the New Zealand fast bowlers targeting the Indian batsmen? Do you think there is a bit of a weakness there in the Indian top order where your fast bowlers can exploit the top order and expose the middle order?
KANE WILLIAMSON: Conditions are a big part of that question and on the ones that we have been successful, in that respect, we have been able to exploit those conditions and I think you come up against any opposition where the ball is moving, whether it is off the surface or in the air, then you do have the opportunity to take early wickets and everybody goes into the game with a desire to do that.

We will have to wait and see what the surface holds for us. As a bowling unit, the guys will be certainly trying their best to try and take early wickets on whatever surface we are dealt with because we know that it is very important, obviously India have a very good batting line-up, so you do need to try and dismiss them in order to keep either (a) a total low to chase, or whether that is batting first and defending.

Q. Kane, the batting reliance on you at various points throughout this tournament, is there ever a sense that that is a burden or is it something you relish, that so much of the team's fate rests with you?
KANE WILLIAMSON: No, I think there's also been a number of other contributions that have been really important in order for us to get to where we are right now, whether that's a lower score in terms of an individual still being very significant for us chasing totals down which we have done well in the earlier stage of the competition and from my perspective, it's going out trying to play my role as best I can to help move the team forward and that doesn't change going into tomorrow and you are always wanting to contribute more.

You never sort of put a number on it. That is why we all practice as hard as we can to try and make those contributions bigger and better.

Q. Finally from me, what is your plan to bring down Rohit Sharma?
KANE WILLIAMSON: There's a lot of parts to that and as a bowling unit, first and foremost, it's assessing conditions. Rohit has been clearly the stand-out batter in this tournament so far and been batting beautifully.

But, as we know, we come into a semifinal. It is another day where both sides will be trying to adjust to the conditions as quickly as possible and both teams will be looking for early wickets regardless of what their name may be, but, without a doubt, he's been superb throughout the tournament.

 

[rhony]

Have voted for NZ - I feel toss could give NZ the advantage they need.

Win toss and bowl first or bat first? Will the pitch slow down with moisture and overcast conditions? Will NZ let go of a chance to bowl Boult when it is fresh? Not an easy toss decision I feel

 

[BalluBalleBaaz]

No knockout game is easy. Its the business end and stakes are high. I wouldn't take Zimbabwe lightly in a knockout and these are kiwis we are talking about. Kohli said two important words. Intensity and Execution.

 

[Sindragosa]

I was refering to indian fans!

Win or lose I don't think we'll see indian fans breaking TVs.

 

[sweep_shot]

If India bats first and posts 300+, game over for NZ. NZ has to restrict India to 260 (if they field first).

If NZ bats first, they should look to score 320-330. I know they are out of form but they got some capable batsmen.

 

[Mp812]

I've had a look at the first 5 wickets to fall in this WC for India and NZ

Here's the average FOW for both teams (only first 5 wickets):
NZ 1/31, 2/56, 3/123, 4/145, 5/181
Ind 1/86, 2/157, 3/208, 4/235, 5/272

So wickets at top for both team are key.
The side that looses 5 wickets for a differnce of 50 runs...stands higher chance to win the SF.

In my opinion this game will hinge on bowlers performances.
Or that exceptional batting performance from VK , KW , Taylor or Rohit migh be a big factor.
But then I guess thats obvious and stats were needed to figure that one.

 

[Justcrazy]

Kiwis would be banking on Indian batting failing this time around.