The Kiwis have yet again made their place in the knockouts. They have been one of the most consistent teams on the world stage and they have shown once again why. It would be a great opportunity for New Zealand to finish the unfinished business. They lost the final against England in the 2019 World Cup but they would be prepared to not let this chance go away. They will be coming up against India in the first semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Let’s take a look at the probable New Zealand’s Playing XI against India in ODI World Cup 2023:
Top Order
Devon Conway, after a great start to the tournament, fizzled away in terms of performance but in the last match against Sri Lanka, he got nearly a fifty-plus score which would give him a lot of confidence. His partner Rachin Ravindra is among the top five leading run scorers in the tournament. This duo will be very instrumental for New Zealand in the big match against India.
The return of Kane Williamson at number three is very encouraging for New Zealand. He will be a rock in the batting order for his team and on the big occasion, his experience will be paramount.
Middle Order
Daryl Mitchell has been the shining spot in this tournament for New Zealand in the middle order. He can take on the opposition bowlers in the middle phase which can give them an edge against India. Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, and Tom Latham would be other crucial members of this middle order. Phillips would be crucial in the later phase of the innings because of his explosive style of batting.
Bowling Unit
A lot would count on the Kiwi bowling attack against the hosts in the Semi-final. The pace battery had a good outing against Sri Lanka in the last match as Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and Lockie Ferguson got wickets. Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra would be looking to match the calibre of the Indian spin department.
Also read: 3 biggest positives for Afghanistan from their ODI World Cup 2023 campaign