India face New Zealand at Wankhede

India start firm favourites

New Zealand are no pushover

All eyes are transfixed on the Wankhede stadium as India face New Zealand in the first semifinal. 

India are a robust side, plundering 9 victories out of 9 matches in the Round Robin league, while New Zealand have  had a chequered journey. 

It is so pertinent to recall that it was the kiwis who had had the last laugh in the semifinal of the 2019 World Cup. Interestingly, that was also the swansong of Indian legend MS Dhoni, who was run out, ending and shattering a million dreams! 

Now, as the two lock horns in a few hours from now, India are the firm favourites. In the earlier stage, India decimated New Zealand at Dharamsala. This should give them a world of confidence. 

However, New Zealanders are no pushovers. They can inflict terrible damage and ignominy in such high-octane encounters. Interestingly, they have players like Rachin Ravindra who can perform in such humdinger matches. 

But ultimately, it comes down to who handles pressure better. 

As far as stats are concerned, India have won 12 and lost 9 in 21 ODI matches played there. Coincidentally, it is here that the men in blue lifted the 2011 World Cup, with that historic six of Mahi’s blade, which ended a 28-year drought.