Barring any major drama, New Zealand face India in the first semi-final. In the meantime, the team has started calculations to stop India. The hosts, who are in great form,
are still unbeaten in this World Cup. One of the team’s best pacers, Trent Boult, said the Kiwis know what strategy they need to taste defeat.
Earlier, India and New Zealand faced each other in the group stage. However, Indians did not have to get much momentum to win that match. The hosts crossed the target of 274 runs given by the Kiwis with two overs in hand. However, in that match, New Zealand understood the Indian style of play.
“They (India) are playing positive cricket and I think they have the potential to play the shots,” Boult told a press conference after beating Sri Lanka earlier in the day. But we know clearly how to face that match.’
India faced New Zealand in the semi-finals in 2019 as well. Kiwis beat India by 18 runs to reach the final for the second time in a row. Although they had to lose in the final after a lot of drama. But this time the two teams are reminding about that semi-final.
India will face a big challenge again in the semi-finals, says Boult, ‘In this match, I think, there will be a lot of excitement and that challenge… as I said, nothing can be bigger than what India face ahead. One and a half million people. Yes, it’s going to be a very exciting match.’
“You have to play against the hosts, and India are a team who are in great rhythm, playing good cricket – you can’t write a better script than that. We have played against India many times. The talented players know these situations very well,” added Boult.
