Match Details
The crucial match is scheduled for Sunday, 22nd October, at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.
Match Overview
India is set to battle New Zealand, aiming to rectify their less than stellar historical record against their World Cup adversary.
Both teams, having won all four of their matches, are the current frontrunners of the Cricket World Cup. They are looking to further extend their winning streak and widen the gap from the rest of the competition.
New Zealand has historically held a 5-3 advantage over India in past World Cup tournaments, including a notable victory in their most recent clash in 2019, which secured them a spot in the Final.
However, India, off to a promising start in the World Cup on home ground, including decisive wins over Pakistan and Australia, is looking to disregard past encounters.
India will be required to make at least one change due to all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s ankle injury. New Zealand will also be missing their captain, Kane Williamson.
Tom Latham, acting as a competent stand-in skipper, has proven his reliability with two fifties from his only two appearances so far. Devon Conway has also been a key contributor, scoring 249 runs, making him the fourth-highest scorer in the tournament.
However, India boasts two players, Rohit Sharma (265) and Virat Kohli (259), who are ahead of Conway, showcasing their formidable form that promises an exciting match.
Team Lineups
India:
Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav.
New Zealand:
Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.
Players to Watch
India – Mohammed Siraj
Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj, who has had a steady start to the World Cup, needs to step up in the absence of injured all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
While Jasprit Bumrah has made a significant impact with 10 wickets, Siraj has played a supporting role with five wickets. Despite India’s impressive 36 dismissals in four innings, Siraj’s concern lies in his high run rate of 6.32 per over.
As the third-ranked bowler in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Bowling Rankings, Siraj is likely to be targeted by New Zealand’s dynamic top order. However, if he can excel in Dharamsala’s typically swing-friendly conditions, India could secure a thrilling victory.
New Zealand – Trent Boult
New Zealand’s seasoned player Trent Boult could pose a significant threat to India, given the favourable conditions for pacers in Dharamsala.
India is well aware of Boult’s potential after he and Matt Henry devastated their top order in the 2019 World Cup semi-final.
Boult has been consistent throughout the World Cup, claiming five wickets and maintaining a low run rate of 4.14 per over, making him one of the most efficient bowlers in the tournament.
Despite the focus on spin in India, Boult’s near-top ranking in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Bowling Rankings suggests he could significantly influence the outcome of this crucial match.