It’s a table-toppers clash in match no. 21 of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, as the two-time World Cup winner, India, will host New Zealand, tomorrow, October 22, at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala at 2 PM IST.
Both sides have been riding high in the campaign so far, as none have been defeated yet. Now comes the major test, as the winner of this game will have one foot in the semi-finals. India, who convincingly defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets in their last game, will be up and active for another test. With almost every batter in form, the team will certainly back themselves to go for another thunderous outing with the willow. With Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill giving a positive and rather hard-hitting start to Virat Kohli‘s masterclass century in the previous match, Team India seemed to be on the right track. Even in the bowling department, the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, and others are striking good for the team. The only concern for the 2011 WC champions would be Hardik Pandya, who suffered from an ankle injury, and thus will be missing out from tomorrow’s game and Shreyas Iyer‘s bittersweet form. Nonetheless, with the dressing room in such good spirits, it appears that these concerns will not last long.
New Zealand, on the other hand, have been playing some outstanding cricket in recent games. While many speculated that it would be England, Australia, South Africa, or Pakistan with India in the semi-finals, New Zealand has breezed past all of these predictions and is now eyeing a semi-final spot. With Kane Williamson missing this game as well, Tom Latham will lead the team. While fans won’t miss much of Kane ‘the captain’ but Kane ‘the batter’ would certainly be missed. However, the likes of Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, and the skipper himself are having a good run with the bat and thus will also back themselves against the home side. Not to forget, Glenn Phillips also hit an astonishing knock in the last match against Afghanistan. With the ball too, Trent Boult will be New Zealand’s go-to bowler for India’s top three, as the home team has struggled mightily against the left-arm fast bowler. Lockie Ferguson will also get some movement on the ball, while Santner will aim to keep India’s middle order quiet.
Head-to-Head:
In the history of ODI cricket, India and New Zealand have squared off in 116 matches. Out of these, the Men in Blue have won 58 games, while NZ have triumphed 50 times. One game also got tied, whereas seven matches were also washed out.
In terms of the World Cup, the two sides have played nine times against each other. India have prevailed in three of the games, while New Zealand have won five. One match also ended with no outcome.
Where to watch:
TV: Star Sports
OTT: Disney+ Hotstar