Former New Zealand star Ross Taylor recalled the World Cup 2019 semifinal between India and the Kiwis, saying that the Men in Blue are overwhelming ‘favourites’ but they will be ‘nervous’ because of what happened four years ago.
Rohit Sharma and Co. have qualified for the World Cup 2023 semifinal after winning all their nine matches in the group stage, finishing as the only unbeaten team in the tournament till date.
India will face New Zealand on November 15 in Mumbai at the Wankhede, and even though the hosts have been in red-hot form but that 2019 semifinal defeat still lingers in the memory of every Indian fan.
Taylor recalled the showdown four years ago, saying that India have been the in-form side in the ongoing World Cup and a similar scenario happened back then.
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The Kiwis have nothing to lose, and that is why they will be very dangerous, which would make India ‘nervous’ according to Ross.
“Four years ago, India went into the semi-final 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,” wrote Ross in his column for ICC.
“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,” he added.
The 2019 semifinal loss by 18 runs not only ended India’s run, the game was even more painful as it was MS Dhoni’s final game in Indian colours at the international stage.
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The veteran wicketkeeper batter was run out, which Taylor revealed is still fondly remembered by the New Zealand faithful.
“The other thing I remember from the game is Martin Guptill’s run-out of MS Dhoni. Obviously, everyone remembers the run-out of Guptill in the final, but that one in the semi-final gets a lot of air time in New Zealand as well,” he added.
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