India vs New Zealand | Who Will Win 1st Semifinal Of 2023 World Cup?

image-loy5x9a8India defeated New Zealand in the league stage [AP]

On Wednesday, India will take on New Zealand in the first semifinal of the ongoing World Cup. The high-voltage clash will be played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. 

Led by Rohit Sharma, India have enjoyed stellar success in the World Cup, finishing the league-stage as the table-toppers with nine consecutive wins. On the contrary, New Zealand fumbled midway in the tournament after a getting off to a flying start. Although they succumbed to four successive defeats, Kane Williamson's troops finally made it into the semis with a thumping victory over Sri Lanka in Bengaluru. 

So, as both teams prepare for the crucial encounter, let's analyse and find out who could emerge victorious in this match. 


Team forms

India

India have been absolutely clinical in the World Cup, outclassing their opponents in all three departments. While their batters have performed admirably, the bowling attack has been relentless across conditions. 

The thing that has worked for India is their collective effort with the bat in different matches. Rohit Sharma's fireworks have ensured solid starts for them, while Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul have consolidated the innings to perfection. So, India are no more reliant on their top three, as Rahul and Iyer proved their worth on crucial junctures. 

Furthermore, the dynamic Suryakumar Yadav and an in-form Ravindra Jadeja form India's finishing department. So, it seems they are in a great space of mind and every player knows his role with absolute clarity. 


New Zealand

Talking about New Zealand, they have a few issues to resolve before the semifinal. The rise of Rachin Ravindra has certainly shifted the focus from Devon Conway, who hasn't even hit a half-century since the heroic 152*-run knock in the tournament opener. 

Also, although Mitchell Santner has been impressive with the ball, the untimely injury to Matt Henry has made Trent Boult a lone warrior in the Kiwi pace department. The veteran cricketer has struggled to keep the opposition under the pump, scalping only four wickets at an abysmal economy of 6.78. 


Conclusion

We think India will start as favourites to win this match because they have stepped up as a team and it will need a monumental effort from the BlackCaps to upset the hosts in the first semifinal.