The Battle of Nerves: India vs. New Zealand World Cup Semi-final

To see India and New Zealand in the semifinals might seem an opportunity for the home side to do erase the past and write a new story. Last time in World Cup semifinal, these two sides came against each other, it resulted in a heartbreaking moment for Indian cricket team fans.

Ross Taylor was part of that match and after retirement, he is doing some commentry stint in World Cup 2023. With only 24 hours left in this decisive encounter, Taylor has provided some insights into why the hosts might be nervous despite being the favorites.

Recalling the 2019 semi-final at Old Trafford, where New Zealand dashed India’s hopes, Taylor emphasizes that the Kiwis thrive when they have nothing to lose. Despite India’s impressive form and unbeaten record in the group stage, Taylor believes New Zealand’s underdog status makes them a formidable opponent.

“In 2019, India was the form side, but we focused on net run-rate. This time, India is even bigger favorites, but when New Zealand has nothing to lose, they can be dangerous. India might be nervous facing this New Zealand side,” Taylor expressed in his ICC column.

The seasoned cricketer highlights the importance of early breakthroughs when India is batting, especially against the formidable top three – Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli. Taylor suggests that putting pressure on the middle-order can stifle India’s dominance and change the course of the game.

“When India is batting, you want to get them two or three down in the first 10 overs to put them under pressure. They rely heavily on an excellent top three,” Taylor advises.

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Looking at the upcoming match at the Wankhede Stadium, Taylor notes that the batter-friendly conditions will present challenges for both teams. When facing India’s formidable bowling lineup, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami, Taylor stresses the importance of scoring runs while keeping wickets in hand.

“In the bowling department, it’s vital we keep wickets in hand against weapons like Bumrah, Siraj, and Shami,” Taylor adds.

With India seeking redemption and New Zealand aiming for a third consecutive final, the battle of nerves is set to unfold in Mumbai, promising fans a spectacle of skill, strategy, and intense competition.

The semifinals haven’t been best events for India as their recent history suggests but they have played impeccable cricket in this tournament with the best side they could have assembled. The pressure is high for both teams who have played some good cricket.

India has been dominating in both departments but a match at Wankhede presents a number of challenges. Regardless of what happened in past, the deck in Mumbai is always decent surface for batting.

Batting first should be the way to go but India thrives when chasing. If somehow they decide to chase, they will need to see through Tim Southee and Trent Boult under lights at Wankhede. It is going to be tough because there is always ample help for the bowlers in the evening time for pacers at Wankhede.