The hotly-anticipated India vs New Zealand semi-final clash in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is a reprise of the previous edition, and a chance for India to set the record straight after the heartbreaking loss in the last-four stage. Though New Zealand beat India then, the 2019 ODI World Cup bears bittersweet memories for them too. (Streaming | Match Blog | Scorecard | Preview | Full Coverage)
Bitter because of the cruel boundary countback rule that deprived them of the title, favouring England instead in the summit clash. Sweet because of their campaign en route the final, which included pipping India narrowly in the semi-final. Indian cricket supporters might never forget what transpired in that knockout match, with the image of MS Dhoni falling inches short of his ground imprinted on their minds.
That run-out had cost India the match and their World Cup hopes. But the batch of 2023 has come out with a vengeance, conquering any and every team in their way. Rohit Sharma's men have given opponents almost no chance to halt their juggernaut, which currently stands at a nine-win unbeaten streak.
That includes defeating the Kiwis too in the league stage, with four wickets and 12 balls to spare. Mohammed Shami starred with a five-wicket haul and Virat Kohli anchored the run-chase with a typically responsible knock of 95 to guide India home in Dharamsala. The hosts are now seeking an encore on Wednesday, November 15, at Wankhede Stadium, the venue of their semi-final encounter against the Kane Williamson-led side.
Head-to-head In ODIs
India have played 117 ODIs against New Zealand, of which the Men In Blue have won 59 and the All Blacks 50, while seven games have ended with no result and one was tied. India's 59 victories include 30 at home, 14 away and 15 at neutral venues. New Zealand too have notched up a majority of their wins at home - 26 - while 16 conquests have come at neutral venues and eight away.
Head-to-head In ODI World Cup
Despite the recent win in the league stage, India's overall ODI World Cup record against the Kiwis isn't great. The Men In Blue have only won four out of the 10 matches they have played in the 50-over showpiece tournament against the All Blacks. There have been five losses and one game ended in a no result.
