The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has reached its business end after the completion of the 45 league matches.
The four teams are locked for the semi-finals. While India will take on New Zealand in Mumbai on November 15, Australia and South Africa will square off in Kolkata on November 16.
The India versus New Zealand clash is going to be a re-match of the 2019 World Cup semi-final, where the Kiwis had defeated the Virat Kohli-led side by 18 runs at Old Trafford.
Two days ahead of the knockout fixture, former New Zealand batter Ross Taylor made an attempt to play mind games and reminded India of the outcome of the last semi-final they played in the showpiece tournament.
Even though India have qualified for the semis by winning all their 9 league games, Taylor suggested that Rohit Sharma’s men might be feeling nervous about facing New Zealand.
"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," Taylor, who was part of the BlackCaps side in 2019, told ICC.
"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.
"If there is a team that India will be nervous facing, it will be this New Zealand side," he explained.
Nonetheless, it will be a big task for New Zealand this time around considering the current form of the Indian team.
"We're up against it, of course, but that was also the case in 2019. That was a two-day one-day game! (due to rain). It was a strange situation for me, I was not out overnight. That is nerve-wracking enough in Test cricket, let alone a one-dayer and a World Cup semi-final," Taylor recalled.
Ross Taylor highlighted the importance of the toss at the Wankhede Stadium while also adding that the first 10 overs will be crucial in both innings.
"The toss is important but if New Zealand can start well with bat and ball, that will give them a lot of confidence to stay in the fight.
"The first ten overs in both innings are crucial. When India are batting, you want to get them two or three down in the first ten overs to put them under pressure. They rely heavily on an excellent top three.
"There is Shubman Gill, the number one player in the world, and then Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. We need to try to make inroads and put the middle order under pressure.
"Then when India are bowling, it is similar. You want to score runs but it is also vital we keep wickets in hand against weapons like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Mohammad Shami.
"When they get on a roll, they can be a lethal force, and the spinners can really pile on the pressure. If you keep wickets in hand, that is when it becomes a bit easier, rather than having to chase the game," he opined.
(With PTI Inputs)
