India will be nervous about facing this New Zealand: Ross Taylor

MUMBAI: Though India are on a nine-match unbeaten streak in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup, legendary batter Ross Taylor expects the Rohit Sharma-led side to be nervous in facing New Zealand in the home semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday.

Though India entered the semifinal as the only unbeaten side in the competition, they have lost their last four knockout matches, including the 2019 World Cup semifinal, to New Zealand across formats. When they faced off earlier in the 2023 World Cup at Dharamshala, India won by four wickets. “Four years ago, India went into the semifinal in Manchester as the form side in the tournament, while we were more focused on ensuring our net run rate would keep Pakistan out of reach for the final spot in the top four.”

“This time around, India are even bigger favourites, at home and having played so well during the group stage. But when we have nothing to lose, New Zealand teams can be dangerous. If there is a team that India will be nervous facing, it will be this New Zealand side,” wrote Taylor in his column for ICC. Taylor also noted that Mumbai is usually a ground where one can expect big scores, but added that the big test for New Zealand will be in adapting to the conditions, as well as in tackling the Indian team in the first ten overs with bat and ball.

“The toss is important but if New Zealand can start well with bat and ball, that will give them a lot of confidence to stay in the fight. The first ten overs in both innings are crucial. When India are batting, you want to get them two or three down in the first ten overs to put them under pressure. They rely heavily on an excellent top three,” he mentioned. (IANS)

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