India, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand qualified for ICC Men Cricket World Cup 2023 semifinals. It’s going to be India vs New Zealand at Wankhede, while South Africa will take on Australia at Eden Gardens in the semifinals. The formidable Indian team has remained unbeaten in all the 9 league matches. With 18 points they are the table topper and first to be qualified for the semi-finals, where New Zealand managed the forth place with 10 points from 9 matches. Former Kiwis cricketer Ross Taylor said that India might be feeling nervous about facing New Zealand, drawing comparisons to both teams campaigns in the 2019 world cup edition.
In 2019 World Cup semi-final clash India lost to New Zealand side. Virat Kohli led India’s formidable run was halted in the rain-affected semifinal at Manchester. Former New Zealand player Ross Taylor made an attempt to play mind games and reminded India about that defeat. He said, “”As New Zealand prepare to take on India in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 semi-finals, it is impossible not to look back at the parallels with 2019.”
Ross Taylor explained, “Four years ago, India went into the semi-final as the form side in the tournament, while we were more focused on ensuring our net run-rate would keep Pakistan out of reach for the final spot in the top four. This time around, India are even bigger favourites, at home and having played so well during the group stage. But when we have nothing to lose, New Zealand teams can be dangerous.” Taylor continued, “If there is a team that India will be nervous facing, it will be this New Zealand side.”