After having won the toss and elected to bat first in the semifinal clash of the World Cup, New Zealand were 162/4 after 41 overs with Ross Taylor (40) and Colin de Grandhomme (0) in the middle.
New Zealand’s poor form of the top order continued amidst overcast conditions in Old Trafford, Manchester. After scoring only 1 run in the first three overs, Martin Guptill was dismissed for a 14 ball 1.
However, after Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Guptill, Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls came in together and steadied the Kiwi ship. The duo put on 68 runs for the second wicket and looked all set for a big partnership when Ravindra Jadeja got the ball to turn and beat Nicholls’ bat to rattle his stumps.
Post that, New Zealand have struggled to up the run rate and lost wicket at regular intervals with Williamson also departing post his half-century.
In this World Cup so far, it has been a battle where Virat Kohli’s men have been effective to the extent that they have not had to worry about a suitable ‘Plan B’, but in the knock out stage of the tournament, where it matters the most, the Indian team would not want to give anything away and stick to the plans which have worked for them so far in the tournament.
An impressive World Cup campaign would amount to nothing at all if India lose to New Zealand- a team which has a good record in the World Cup.
To India’s solace, New Zealand’s competition has gone on a downward spiral during their last three matches, however, their great run in the first few matches helped them beat Pakistan to make it to the last four spot.
Given that New Zealand have laid a steady but solid foundation, a foot on the accelerator pedal will allow them to reach a match-winning total.
Can the Kiwis push the run rate up and drive themselves to a match-winning total or will Indian bowlers prove too tough for them to score off?
We will find out in just a bit.