ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Semi-Final – India vs New Zealand Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is India vs New Zealand taking place? Tuesday 9th July – 10:30 (UK)
Where is India vs New Zealand taking place? Old Trafford, Manchester
What is the expected weather for India vs New Zealand? 19-20c with sunshine and cloudy intervals forecast
What television channel is India vs New Zealand on in the UK? Sky Sports Cricket
Where can I stream India vs New Zealand? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live on Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for India vs New Zealand? Tickets can still be purchased for this match on Stubhub!
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last meeting: India beat New Zealand by 35 runs
THE TEAM NEWS
INDIA
Coach: Ravi Shastri
Captain: Virat Kohli
- India took advantage of Australia’s slip against South Africa by beating Sri Lanka on Saturday to leapfrog them and finish top of the group and ultimately seal what is on paper a much easier route to the final now by facing New Zealand.
- Rohit Sharma scored his third consecutive hundred and his fifth in this World Cup to continue his stunning form against Sri Lanka and KL Rahul joined the party by scoring a century also as their openers continue to set the platform for them.
- Ravindra Jadeja came into the side and impressed with his bowling and he could be a candidate to start again here, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar may have done his chances more harm than good with his 1/73 from ten overs so Mohammed Shami should return at his expense.
NEW ZEALAND
Coach: Gary Stead
Captain: Kane Williamson
- New Zealand limped into the semi-finals having lost their last three matches in a row against Pakistan, Australia and England, and they now come up against India for the first time as their group stage match was rained off.
- The opening partnership continues to be a major issue for them as Nicholls has come into the side for Munro and only managed eight runs across the two games so there is a chance that Munro could return but they. desperately need a solution to stop key batsman Kane Williamson coming in so early each time.
- The absolute key for New Zealand will be their bowling attack as they are the only team in the tournament with four bowlers to have taken ten wickets or more – Boult, Henry, Ferguson and Neesham – and they will have to be at their very best if they are to compete against their rivals here.
THE PREDICTION
These two teams come into this semi-final in contrasting form as India have cantered through the group stage with just one solitary defeat, while New Zealand have stuttered their way through having lost their last three. It is difficult to see many ways in which Kane Williamson’s men can win here and they will have to significantly raise their performance levels to have any chance. That ultimately means several of their batsmen have to start scoring runs with their openers especially needing to produce the goods. That will be difficult against an in-form Jasprit Bumrah and ultimately India should simply have far too much quality for them here.
