The 2023 Cricket World Cup is rapidly coming to a conclusion: will India go all the way? The hosts play New Zealand in the competition’s first semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai at 9:30 CET. The fixture is a rematch of the 2019 World Cup semifinal, which the Black Caps won before losing to England. Interestingly, if New Zealand win tomorrow, the Black Caps will have reached their third successive ICC World Cup final. India, on the other hand, have not made a World Cup final since 2011. However, this time around, the hosts have been among the favourites since early on in the tournament.
India had qualified for the semifinal stage some time ago, as the hosts won all nine matches in the groups. New Zealand, conversely, only qualified in the last group stage game against Sri Lanka, which we previewed here. The Black Caps got off to a flying start in the competition, winning their first four games. They then went on a four game losing streak – including a match against India – before defeating Sri Lanka. Throughout the matches India played in the tournament, New Zealand so far was the team to run them closest. This semis encounter is the fifth time the sides have met each other in man’s ODIs this year, with India having won all of them.
It therefore makes sense to have India as favourite in this vital encounter. They are the hosts, and Virat Kohli’s side have defeated the Black Caps in all their encounters in 2023. New Zealand, however, will prove a tough team to beat once again, as they have a history of deep runs to the final in this tournament. That being said, look for the hosts to play in the final at Ahmedabad on Sunday. The only question that remains is: will India go all the way?
India to Win – 1.32
New Zealand to Win – 3.40
