When Martin Guptill ran MS Dhoni out that fateful day in Manchester, the New Zealand player not only ended India’s campaign at the 2019 World Cup, but also ensured Dhoni’s final match in India colours would end in defeat.
On Wednesday at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, India will get the chance to avenge their 2019 World Cup defeat when they take on New Zealand in the semi-final of the 2023 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup.
India have been one of the most consistent teams in recent World Cup history reaching the semi-finals for four straight editions.
New Zealand have been even more consistent. The Kiwis have made it to five straight semi-finals, even reaching the final in the last two editions.
Kane Williamson’s side have also gotten the better of India in two of their previous three meetings in ICC tournaments including the 2021 World Test Championship Final.
Riding on Mohammed Shami’s five-wicket haul and Virat Kohli’s 95, India had snapped New Zealand’s four-match winning run when the two sides met in the league stage in Dharamsala. The Kiwis went on to lose thrice more and nearly failed to make it to the last-four.
India, the only unbeaten side left in the tournament, go into Wednesday’s semi-final as favourites. However, against a seasoned New Zealand side which somehow knows how…
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