Cricket World Cup semi-final tips and predictions: India vs New Zealand
- James Richardson
- 14 November 2023
After what feels like an endless group stage, the Cricket World Cup semi-final get going on Wednesday (0830 GMT). Who will triumph in a rematch of the 2019 semi?
India have been running rampant at this Cricket World Cup and the home support will be intent on driving them to the 'perfect 11 campaign'.
New Zealand are out to play spoiler and crush the hosts dreams in a cauldron where they will enjoy little support.
To make things even more tricky for the Black Caps, this will be their first match at the Wankhede Stadium during the World Cup.
India play a lot of cricket in Mumbai and last visited less than two weeks ago as they bullied Sri Lanka into submission in a record-breaking win.
That said, the unique dimensions of the Wankhede might still offer options for the Black Caps batters to tuck in.
India vs New Zealand: Tips and suggested bets
India are not only heavily favoured to win this semi-final but there is value in picking out their top performers.
Depending on which side of the great Virat Kolhi debate you have invested in, now will be the time he either leads India to glory or inexplicably folds.
While backing either Ishan Kishan or Shreyas Iyer to be an unexpected top runscorer for India, the safer bet on slighter margins is to go with King Kohli to lead the charge.
New Zealand sport the biggest total achieved against India during this World Cup, but at the mark of 273, that is just another indicator of the bowling form of India.
Jasprit Bumrah is offered at enticing odds to end as India's top wicket-taker, given that he currently leads the way in terms of scalps picked up just ahead of Mohammed Shami, who owns the best figures from the tournament to date.
New Zealand's form batsman has been Rachin Ravindra, and he is a solid punt to end up as the top scorer for the Blacks Caps, just as he did in their DLS loss to Pakistan.
Trent Boult has provided the eye-catching dismissals for New Zealand that make him favourite to lead the wicket-takers for the Black Caps at the Wankhede.
Still, bookies are overlooking the team's top wicket-taker in the tournament because he is an unfashionable left-arm spinner, Mitchell Santner.
India last lost their first wicket by any other method other than caught when Dilshan Madushanka castled Rohit Sharma at the Wankhede stadium.
Boult brings great bowled and LBW chances into play against India's right-handed openers, making 'other' a good shout for first wicket.
Predictions:
Virat Kolhi - India top run scorer
Rachin Ravindra - New Zealand top run scorer
Mitchell Santner - New Zealand top wicket taker
