India will take on New Zealand in the first semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019 on Tuesday at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. Both of these two teams had qualified for the semi-finals in the previous two editions as well. India went on to win the title in 2011 whereas New Zealand were knocked out in the semi-final by Pakistan. In 2015, New Zealand emerged as the runners-up whereas India bowed out in the semi-finals after losing to Australia, who eventually went on to be the champions.
This time, however, India are coming as the favourites in the contest as they finished at top of the table in the league stage having won seven out of the eight games they played. New Zealand, on the other hand, qualified as the fourth placed team but they don't have momentum on their side as they lost all of their last three league games.
Although India is the in-form team, both teams are evenly matched in terms of strength on paper. Both India and New Zealand have a strong batting and bowling unit. While the Indian batsmen need to be wary of the swing the kiwi Pacers are capable of producing during their initial spell, New Zealand will need to deal with India's spinners with caution. If both teams can deal with their respective witnesses, they will produce a battle which would be too close for comfort.
Weather and Pitch Conditions: Weather is expected to be absolutely fine. Pitch will be dry
India will take on New Zealand in the first semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019 on Tuesday at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. Both of these two teams had qualified for the semi-finals in the previous two editions as well. India went on to win the title in 2011 whereas New Zealand were knocked out in the semi-final by Pakistan. In 2015, New Zealand emerged as the runners-up whereas India bowed out in the semi-finals after losing to Australia, who eventually went on to be the champions.
This time, however, India are coming as the favourites in the contest as they finished at top of the table in the league stage having won seven out of the eight games they played. New Zealand, on the other hand, qualified as the fourth placed team but they don't have momentum on their side as they lost all of their last three league games.
Although India is the in-form team, both teams are evenly matched in terms of strength on paper. Both India and New Zealand have a strong batting and bowling unit. While the Indian batsmen need to be wary of the swing the kiwi Pacers are capable of producing during their initial spell, New Zealand will need to deal with India's spinners with caution. If both teams can deal with their respective witnesses, they will produce a battle which would be too close for comfort.
Weather and Pitch Conditions: Weather is expected to be absolutely fine. Pitch will be dry and, hence, will assist the spinners.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-Keeper: Tom Latham (8 Cr)
The Kiwi skipper hasn't had the best of times with the bat in this tournament but he showed signs of a return to form with a fighting fifty against England. Latham also has an average of around 59 against India and would be eager to maintain his good record against them.
Batsman: Virat Kohli (10.5 Cr)
The Indian skipper has been in great form with the bat having scored over 400 runs at an average of 63.14 in the tournament so far and would be eager to keep that going in the semi-final.
All-Rounder: Hardik Pandya (9 Cr)
The Indian all-rounder has played a key role in the tournament. He has performed with both bat and ball and is a safe source of points in every match.
Bowler: Jasprit Bumrah (9 Cr)
Bumrah has been one of the best bowlers in the tournament and is the highest wicket-taker for India at the moment as well. You can bank on him to deliver wickets at the death more often than not.
Captain: Virat Kohli
Vice-Captain: Jasprit Bumrah
Predicted Playing XI:
India: Lokesh Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah
New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, Colin de Grandhomme, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Trent Boult
