India will take on New Zealand in the first semi-final of the ICC World Cup 2019 to be played at Old Trafford, Manchester on 9th July 2019. The Men in Blue topped the league stage with 15 points coming from 7 wins, 1 loss and 1 no result.
On the other hand, New Zealand finished 4th in the points table with 11 points from 5 wins, 3 losses and 1 no result. Though Pakistan also had earned the same number of points, the better run rate average has landed New Zealand in the semi-finals and pitted them against the table toppers.
The Indian Team performed consistently in the league stages, except from a close match against England which they lost by 31 runs. Apart from this they had a tough time against Afghanistan but managed to win the match in the last over. On the other hand, Kiwis are entering the semi-finals despite 3 successive losses to Pakistan, Australia and England, just based on better NRR.
The head to head match between India and New Zealand in the league stage was washed out due to rain which resulted in 1 point each. The first semi-final on 9th July promise to be an exciting encounter.
Both teams have top quality players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Hardik Pandya in the Indian team and Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Trent Boult, Martin Guptill in Kiwis team who can change the course of the game and turn in favour of their team. The Indian team looks favourites, but New Zealand is capable of producing match-winning performances on their day.
Here We Look At The 6 Key Players In India-New Zealand Semi-Final
1. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma has been in sensational form during the league stage of ICC World Cup 2019. He is currently the leading run-getter with 647 runs from 8 matches (8 innings) with 5 centuries and 1 half-century.
The explosive right-handed Rohit became the first batsman to score five centuries in a World Cup edition. He scored centuries against South Africa, Pakistan, England, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Rohit has provided brilliant starts for the team both with Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul to help India set a total or chase down the targets. He will be our trump card again in the semi-finals against Kiwis.
2. Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson has been the backbone of the New Zealand batting line up so far. He scored 481 runs from 8 matches (7 innings) with 2 centuries and 1 half-century, that included his career best score of 148 against West Indies.
With Kiwi openers being inconsistent, the team heavily depends upon on the skipper. Against a top quality Indian bowling line up, it will be interesting how the New Zealand captain goes about his business.
3. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah has been the go-to bowler for India in recent times. He is currently fourth with 17 key wickets from 8 matches (7 innings), with best figures of 4/55 at an economy of 4.48 runs per over.
He has provided early breakthroughs for India in the power play overs. His ability to bowl variations according to the situation makes him a lethal bowler to face.
4. Trent Boult
The experienced Trent Boult has been a star for New Zealand in this World Cup. He took 15 wickets from 8 matches (8 innings) with best figures of 4/30, at an economy of 4.68.
His swinging deliveries coupled with the left arm angle he provides have always troubled the Indian batsmen. Trent Boult would play a key role if NZ is victorious on Tuesday.
5. Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya the all-rounder has played a key role for India till now. With the ball, Pandya took 9 wickets from 8 matches (8 innings) having best figures of 3/60 at an economy of 5.68.
Pandya has contributed with quickfire knocks which have resulted in India’s win. His contribution to the cause of increasing the run rate has been exceptional. As a fielder, he has taken brilliant catches in the outfield and has been nothing short of impressive.
Seeing how Pandya can perform would be extremely crucial for India to get through to the final.
6. Lockie Ferguson
Lockie Ferguson the pacer has impressed one and all with his accuracy and speed in the league stage. He is currently the 3rd leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 17 wickets from 7 matches (7 innings) with best figures of 4/37 and at the economy of 4.96 runs per over.
In the last league game against England, the Kiwi bowling unit struggled against the hosts as they had to play without Ferguson. With Ferguson expected to come back into the playing XI on Tuesday, New Zealand will be a threatening side to face.
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