Hosts India will be looking to gain a measure of revenge when they take on New Zealand in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup semifinal at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday.
After more than a month of riveting cricket, four teams are left fighting for the ultimate prize in cricket. And now, India and New Zealand will look to seal a spot in the final.
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India and New Zealand have history at this stage, with the Kiwis breaking India’s hearts at this exact point of the tournament in the 2019 World Cup. India will be desperate to get one over a team that also dealt them heartbreak in the 2021 ICC World Test Championship final.
An exciting semifinal clash awaits us.
IND vs NZ Cricket World Cup 2023 semifinal: Live updates, scorecard, result and highlights
Follow below for all the action from this Cricket World Cup 2023 semifinal match, or you can check out the live scorecard here.
14:30 – India have got off to a flying start, courtesy of a fiery innings from Rohit. The Indian skipper is on the verge of completing his half-century and India have reached 50 in just the sixth over!
After six overs, India are 58/0.
14:00 – Rohit Sharma begins in a convincing fashion and smashes Trent Boult for two boundaries to score 10 in the first over!
LIVE ACTION STARTS!
Kane Williamson: We would have batted first. Hopefully, some dew later. Amazing occasion. Four years ago, similar situation but a different location. They have been playing some good cricket. Always a building phase between the tournaments. Need to assess what is in front of you when the tournament starts. We are going with the same team from the previous match.
Rohit Sharma: We are gonna bat first. Looks like a good pitch. Looks like on the slower side. Whatever we do, we need to do well. I think it was back in 2019 when we played the semis. NZ is one of the most consistent sides. Very important day. Constantly, talking about how important it is about turning up on that day. It is about controlling the controllables. Same team.
Line-ups:
New Zealand (Playing XI): Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson(c), Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Tom Latham(w), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj
TOSS: India have won the toss and will bat first.
BECKS AT WANKHEDE!
David Beckham talking with Indian players ahead of the semis…!!!! pic.twitter.com/R7ny9JQZnE
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 15, 2023
Virat Kohli kicked the football towards David Beckham and had a pass. (Prajakta). pic.twitter.com/z9SIazaRaO
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 15, 2023
Football legend David Beckham will be in attendance at the Wankhede Stadium today to witness the epic clash between India and New Zealand in the World Cup semis.
A day before the mega semi-final clash, the Indian Express reported that the Rahul Dravid-led Indian team management had requested the pitch curator to shave off the grass from the pitch. This was done to bring the Indian spinners into the game and to neutralise the effect of Kiwi fast bowlers.
To add more fuel to the fire, Daily Mail dropped a bombshell report on Wednesday that explored the pitch saga in a larger extent. It reported that the ICC pitch consultant, Andy Atkinson, is frustrated with the fact that the semi-final between India and New Zealand was initially planned to be played on a fresh surface but will now take place on a used wicket.
Also, it has been revealed that the pitch for the India versus Pakistan match was replaced. The fixture was scheduled to be held on pitch No.7 but ended up being played on pitch No.5.
MORE: Controversy over Wankhede pitch for India vs NZ World Cup semifinal
As the anticipation for what should be a huge match grows, here’s what our experts think of India’s chances of going all the way in the latest Spirit of Cricket podcast, brought to you in association with Dafa News.
Team India media conference highlights: India coach Rahul Dravid met the media on Tuesday ahead of this match and revealed that the team have taken inspiration from the millions of fans across the country cheering them on.
Rahul Dravid reflects on India’s successful journey across nine cities in #CWC23 💪
More ➡ https://t.co/jZAhzygQtM pic.twitter.com/PCDq72o4Ly
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) November 13, 2023
Build-up: Welcome to our live blog as India take on New Zealand for a place in the World Cup final! The hosts will be looking to recall memories of their victory in this tournament on home soil in 2011. You can check out India’s previous record in the men’s ODI World Cup in our article here.
IND vs NZ: Wankhede pitch report
The pitch for the World Cup semifinal between India and New Zealand is expected to be on the slower side. Though the pitch at Wankhede stadium favours batting teams with consistent bounce, there are reports that the track for Wednesday might be on the slower side which will play naturally into India’s strength.
For detailed pitch report and records, click here.
IND vs NZ: Toss
India vs New Zealand toss is scheduled to happen at 1:30 pm IST.
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IND vs NZ Predictions, tips and betting odds
India are the favourites to progress to the finals.
New Zealand face uncertainties regarding the synergy between their batting and bowling units. The bowling attack has grappled with inconsistency, raising questions about their effectiveness. To challenge India in this crucial game, New Zealand must deliver a strong bowling performance.
As per the Dafabet odds, India are the sure-shot favourites to win the match.
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