World Cup 2023 | IND vs NZ, Semi-final 1 - Top Captain and Vice-captain Picks

image-lov8i0ddTrent Boult will be an important player for New Zealand against Indian in the World Cup 2023 Semi-final (Source: AP Photos)

The World Cup 2023 is down to its business end. The last three matches of the tournament are due, and we will soon meet the champions of this edition. 

India will play against New Zealand in the first semi-final of the tournament. The match will take place on Wednesday, the 15th of November, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. It is due to start at 2:00 PM IST. Before the match begins, here is a look at the top choices for the captain and vice-captain for the fantasy contests of the match. 

For More Fantasy Tips and Teams, Click Here.

India have played near perfect cricket in the tournament so far. They have steam-rolled past all the other teams and finished the group stage as the table topper. Rohit Sharma and his men will be looking to maintain the momentum and surpass a final obstacle before making it to their fourth World Cup final. 

New Zealand have had a topsy-turvy ride till now in the tournament. While they started on a great note, there was a drop in the middle of the tournament. However, they picked up the much-needed win in their last group-stage game against Sri Lanka and secured their place among the top four. Kane Williamson and his men will be looking to beat the hosts and play their third consecutive World Cup final. 


IND vs NZ, Semi-final 1: Toss Factor

The pitch at the Wankhdede Stadium has been one of the most sporting ones in the tournament. It has provided something to players of all trades. 

While the batters enjoyed the surface, especially in the first half, the bowlers enjoyed the wicket under the lights. The pitch has offered movement in the first 10-15 overs in the second innings, and this will be playing in the minds of the two skippers during the toss. 

The skipper winning the toss will look to bat first. But the first 15 overs carry the most significant threat for the team batting second. If the batters can play out this phase, the pitch will be good enough to chase down any total. 

Wankhede Stadium, World Cup 2023 Records

Matches: 4
Matches Won Batting First: 3
Matches Won Batting Second: 1

Average First Innings Total: 357
Average Second Innings Total: 188
Highest Total Recorded: 399/7 by South Africa vs England
Lowest Total Recorded: 55/10 by Sri Lanka vs India


IND vs NZ, Semi-final 1: Top Captain & Vice-Captain Choices

If India Bats First

The Wankhede Stadium has been very good for batting in the first innings. If the hosts bat first, they are expected to score a big total, given the current form of the line-up. 

Also, the Indian pacers, who have decimated most of the batting orders in the tournament, will look to make the most of the conditions in the first 10-15 overs under light. So, if we see India batting first, players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj will be good choices as the captain or vice-captain of the match. 

If New Zealand Bats First

If the Kiwis bat first, their in-form batter, Rachin Ravindra, will surely be a good choice. Another exciting pick might be Devon Conway, who has lost some momentum after a good start to the tournament. Conway enjoys playing in the big matches under pressure and might be a differential choice for you in the fantasy contests. Also, one can always remember the class act of Williamson, who is another good choice. 

Amongst the Kiwi bowlers, Trent Boult might be lethal with the help available under lights. Though he has been off-colour this tournament, the well-known weakness of the Indian top order against left-arm pacers must be remembered. 


IND vs NZ, Semi-final 1: Important Stats for the Match

Virat Kohli (IND)

  • At Wankhede Stadium in ODIs: 357 Runs in 7 Matches at an average of 59.50
  • vs New Zealand in ODIs: 1,528 Runs in 30 Matches at an average of 56.59

Rohit Sharma (IND)

  • In World Cup 2023: 442 Runs in 8 Matches at an average of 55.25 and a Strike Rate of 122.78

Mohammed Shami (IND)

  • In World Cup 2023: 16 Wickets in 4 Matches
  • At Wankhede in ODIs: 8 Wickets in 3 Matches at an average of 11.63 

Mohammed Siraj (IND)

  • At Wankhede in ODIs: 6 Wickets in 2 Matches at an average of 7.50

Rachin Ravindra (NZ)

  • In World Cup 2023: 565 Runs in 9 Matches at an average of 70.63 and a strike rate of 108.45

Kane Williamson (NZ)

  • vs India in ODIs: 1078 Runs in 27 Innings at an average of 43.12.

Trent Boult (NZ)

  • At Wankhede in ODIs: 4 Wickets in 1 Match at an average of 8.75
  • vs India in ODIs: 25 Wickets in 14 Matches at an average of 26.00