Rohit Sharma-led Indian team will face off against New Zealand in the first semifinal of the ODI World Cup 2023 on November 15 at Wankhede Stadium. It will be a repeat of the 2019 semifinal, however, India will be hoping the outcome will be in favour this time around. The Men in Blue have been in red-hot form heading into the semifinal after winning all of their nine group-stage games, while the Kiwis somehow scraped through into the top four, after beating Sri Lanka in their final match.
Despite their troubles, Kane Williamson and Co. have always been a force to be reckoned with, and they will likely push the Indian team all the way, just like they did in Dharamsala although Rohit’s side prevailed by 4 wickets on the day.
Ahead of the blockbuster India vs New Zealand semifinal, here are the top players to watch for:
Rohit Sharma: Indian captain Rohit Sharma has been on fire during the World Cup 2023, not just with his captaincy, the Hitman has been firing on all cylinders with the willow as well. With 503 runs in nine outings, the 36-year-old is fourth on the list of leading run scorers in the tournament. His explosive starts have allowed the rest of the batsmen to take their time and settle while Rohit continues to deliver fireworks to put opposition bowlers under pressure. The way he has juggled all of his bowlers has been exceptional and India will be hoping for more of the same from their Hitman in the semifinal clash.
Follow all the action from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 including the World Cup schedule, World Cup 2023 results, and ICC Cricket World Cup points table. Players are vying to top the World Cup 2023 Most Runs and World Cup 2023 Most Wickets charts.
Virat Kohli: Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli is the leading run-scorer in the World Cup and he has set the stage on fire. The 35-year-old is only six runs shy of the 600-run mark, while he has been at his usual best in the fielding department as well. Kohli has the chance to surpass plenty of individual records of Sachin Tendulkar in the semifinal, which will be added motivation for Virat to do well against the Kiwis.
Mohammed Shami: While Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have been on song with the new ball, Mohammed Shami was thrown into the fray mid-way through the tournament and he has proven his worth in gold. 16 wickets in just five matches that too with the new ball as well in the death overs show the veteran pacer’s expertise with immaculate seam position that could well decide the fate of the semifinal.
Rachin Ravindra: Rachin Ravindra is playing in his maiden World Cup but he has been a massive talent for the Kiwis. The young opener is fighting with Kohli and Quinton de Kock to finish at the top of the run scorers’ list with 565 runs to his name already. The 23-year-old will have a key role to provide New Zealand with a steady start with the bat against an Indian bowling attack that has dominated all other opposition batters in the World Cup so far.
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Kane Williamson: New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson will have to have a good game if the Kiwis are hoping to reach a third successive semifinal appearance in the World Cup. Williamson recently scored 95 runs upon his return after the thumb injury, and his grit and commitment was there for all to see. The 33-year-old will be hopeful of playing a big knock against an all-star Indian bowling attack.
Mitchell Santner: Picking up wickets in the middle overs has been the key to success for teams in the World Cup so far, New Zealand have relied on the brilliance of Mitchell Santner for that, and they will expect him to shine yet again. Santner has 16 wickets to his name, and he will be hoping to trouble the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli with his tricky spin deliveries.
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