Ross Taylor recalled the 2019 semifinal between India and New Zealand and says India will be Nervous to face New Zealand team in World Cup semi-finals.
As the cricket world prepares for the historic clash between India and New Zealand in the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, the anticipation and echoes of the past are painting a vivid picture of what is likely to be a nervy battle for both the sides. What can happen? , Ross Taylor, a prominent figure in New Zealand cricket history, recalled the similarities between the current scenario and the dramatic 2019 encounter, raising hopes of an exciting encounter.
In a recent statement, Taylor drew attention to the uncanny parallels between the 2019 campaign and the current one, pointing out how India’s dominance in the league matches has drawn parallels to their form in the last World Cup. However, Taylor did not fail to highlight the unyielding nature of New Zealand teams when they have nothing to lose, terming them potentially dangerous and predicting a nervous Indian team to reach the semi-finals.
Reflecting on the 2019 semi-final encounter, Taylor emphasized the tension and unexpected twists that marked that crucial encounter. “That was a two-day ODI game! It was a strange situation for me, I wasn’t out all night. That’s quite nerve-wracking in Test cricket, leave alone ODIs and World Cup semi-finals.” Taylor recalled the match underlining the intensity associated with such high-risk matches.
One of the key moments mentioned by Taylor was Martin Guptill’s unforgettable run out of MS Dhoni in the 2019 semi-final, which remains a memory in the hearts of New Zealand cricket fans. Such memories of the past, along with India’s unbroken form, add to the anticipation and nervous energy surrounding the upcoming semi-final encounter.
With the clash looming at the Wankhede Stadium, Taylor gave an insight into the strategies New Zealand can adopt to counter the formidable Indian lineup. Emphasizing the importance of early breakthroughs and the importance of keeping wickets, Taylor highlighted the crucial turning points in both innings that can affect the pace of the game.
Furthermore, he highlighted the emergence of Rachin Ravindra, who has been an outstanding performer for New Zealand in the ongoing World Cup. Taylor acknowledged the unexpected nature of Ravindra’s contribution and the composure he brought to the team, highlighting his impact in the semi-finals and beyond.
The stage is set for a high-voltage encounter as cricketing legends come face to face once again, evoking the ghosts of the past while scripting a new chapter in the ongoing World Cup saga. New Zealand’s Taylor has hinted at the nervousness India may face, with the cricket world anxiously awaiting the encounter to see whether history will repeat itself or a new story will unfold on the Mumbai grounds.
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