The ICC World Cup 2023, is perfectly set to enter the knockout stages within a day. There are many enthralling challenges for the IND vs NZ CWC 2023 semi-final, which makes the tournament extensively more challenging.
New Zealand holds the dominating advantage of 5-4 against India in World Cups after playing 10 matches. This includes one match with a “NO RESULT” game.
Also, the black caps have to face the unbeaten side of this tournament in the first semi-finals. The Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, is scheduled to organize the first semi-final of this tournament on 15th November 2023.
Recently, the Indian cricket team arrived in Mumbai on 13th November 2023 after the completion of their league match against the Netherlands. The Indian cricket team immediately started their practice session ahead of the knockout stages.
The semi-final clash between India and New Zealand is the 2nd time in knockouts, following the previous encounter during the ICC World Cup 2019 semis. The men-in-blue hopes to qualify for the CWC 2019 finals were devastated after losing to the black caps by just 18 runs.
Previously, India won against New Zealand by 4 wickets during the 21st match of the ICC World Cup 2023.
As a result, it has been a question for both teams whether the upcoming first semi-final of World Cup 2023 would be a repeat or revenge moment for both teams.
6 Toughest Challenges for the IND vs NZ CWC 2023 semi-final:
It’s time to explore the most formidable challenges for the IND vs NZ CWC 2023 semi-final.
It would be exhilarating for every cricket fan, who is awaiting the upcoming knockout clash between the toughest teams:
1. Winning the toss:
Teams that win the toss would surely decide to bat first at this venue. It becomes apparent that teams losing the toss, have to chase the target by playing risky shots similar to that of Glenn Maxwell’s double-century knock at the same location.
Moreover, 3 out of 4 matches played in this tournament were won by the teams batting first at this venue.
In contrast to New Zealand, the Indian cricket team has proved its ability to perform well on the most challenging pitch conditions.
2. Virat Kohli vs Rachin Ravindra:
The competition of Virat Kohli vs Rachin Ravindra has been an engaging part of the ICC World Cup 2023 tournament. Presently, Virat Kohli is the leading batsman to score the most number of runs in this tournament (594 runs in 9 innings). Virat Kohli was able to reach the top position after scoring a brilliant half-century against the Netherlands.
Quinton de Kock (591 runs in 9 innings) and Rachin Ravindra (565 runs in 9 innings), ranks at the 2nd and 3rd position in this competition.
Both Rachin Ravindra and Virat Kohli have been maintaining a consistent form in recent matches. Finally, the top-scoring batsmen will be aiming to become the leading run-scorer of this tournament.
To surpass Sachin’s record of 673 runs in a single World Cup, Rachin Ravindra needs 109 runs to achieve this feat. Contrarily, Virat Kohli needs just 79 runs to beat the master blaster’s lifetime record.
3. Suryakumar Yadav vs Ishan Kishan:
Ishan Kishan would be aiming to make use of this opportunity if he gets a chance into the playing XI during the crucial stages of ICC World Cup 2023.
Probably, the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma would be seeking the inclusion of an experienced batsman with the highest ODI score in their career.
Eventually, Ishan Kishan as the most experienced batsman compared to Suryakumar Yadav can secure the No.6 position in his team.
On the other side, Suryakumar Yadav has the ability to score runs instantaneously for his team. Mainly, during the last 10 to 15 overs of the match, Suryakumar Yadav can score runs in all different directions.
It would be interesting to watch if the Indian skipper makes any changes or continues with the same playing XI.
4. Tough for spin bowlers:
Spin bowlers may face one of the hardest moments in their life bowling on a surface such as the Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai. Obviously, there are adequate chances of scoring the most number of runs. Additionally, the small-sized boundaries on a batting-friendly pitch at this venue can threaten the spin bowlers.
The pitch offering maximum bounce enables batsmen to set a huge target against the opposition.
Especially, during the 1st innings, spinners struggle to get crucial wickets by easily giving up maximum runs. Unlike the fast bowlers, seizing instant wickets, the only option left for the experienced spinners is to focus more on saving runs rather than taking wickets.
Alternatively, the teams bowling first have to grab quick wickets to chase the target comfortably without any pressure.
5. Hattrick of Semi-Final Losses:
This is one of the most challenging stages for the Indian cricket team ahead of the semi-finals. India lost the semi-finals consecutively in World Cup 2015 and 2019 to Australia and New Zealand.
To avoid the hattrick of semi-final losses in World Cups, Rohit Sharma and his men would be keen to secure the victory against New Zealand.
6. Strong Batting Lineup:
Both the teams with an in-depth batting line-up have the ability to score huge runs under the toughest conditions.
Especially, the middle-order batting for both teams has been exceptional throughout the tournament.
Overall facts about the challenges for the IND vs NZ CWC 2023 semi-final
Overall the challenges for the IND vs NZ CWC 2023 semi-final would be the toughest clash for both teams. The match result depends upon the batting performance of both teams.
Teams that win the toss would have a better advantage to bat during the humid conditions at this venue. Conversely, teams losing the toss need to bat out of their comfort zone. This includes making an attempt by every batsman to play maximum risky shots.
Both, India and New Zealand would be striving to deliver their best performance during the knockout stages.
From the Indian perspective, the men-in-blue would be aiming to seek vengeance for the ICC World Cup 2019 semi-finals. Additionally, Team India would tend to repeat the victory against New Zealand in this tournament.
On the other side, the Kiwis would be aspiring to repeat the success of the World Cup 2019 semis. Moreover, New Zealand hopes to seek revenge for their earlier loss against India in the league matches of CWC 2023. Conclusively, it would be the batsmen’s show during the 1st innings whereas the bowlers tend to dominate during the 2nd innings
