World Cup 2019: Three reasons why India will defeat New Zealand in the semi-final

Two-time World Cup winners, India have stormed into the semifinals of the 2019 World Cup by topping the points table of the group stage. Barring England, India defeated every opposition in this tournament. However, they will lock horns with a team, against whom their group encounter was abandoned because of rain.

The 4th-placed New Zealand side will take on Virat Kohli’s men at Old Trafford as the 2019 World Cup awaits its first finalist. India are the overwhelming favorites to win the first semi-final but, one should remember that the Black Caps had crushed India in the warm-up matches.

The Kiwis are on a three-match losing streak heading into this match whereas the Indian team have won both of their previous matches. On that note, let’s have a look at the three reasons India can defeat New Zealand in the first semi-final.

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#3 New Zealand's recent form

England v New Zealand - ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

New Zealand have had a sudden slump in their performances as Australia, England, and Pakistan all outplayed the Black Caps in their final group matches. They only reached the semi-finals because of their superior net run rate. Even in the game against West Indies, Kane Williamson’s men pulled off a win from the jaws of defeat.

While every cricketer believes that each day is a fresh start but, one cannot forget the three defeats that the team has suffered in the last ten days. Also, they do not have a good record in semi-finals. In the previous seven semifinal appearances, only once have they won the game. So, this factor will deter New Zealand’s chances tomorrow.

#2 Poor form of New Zealand's openers

England v New Zealand - ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

When Martin Guptill and Colin Munro helped New Zealand to a 10-wicket win over the Sri Lankan team in their opening encounter, it seemed like the Kiwi openers will rule the World Cup. However, their performance has only dipped as the tournament has progressed. The fact that New Zealand’s opening pair had one of the worst averages in the group stage signifies the above statement.

Another alarming statistic is that Matt Henry, New Zealand’s premier fast bowler has a better average and strike-rate than the team’s second choice opener, Henry Nicholls (who played two matches in place of Colin Munro).

The opening combination has been the key reason behind the recent failures of the 2015 World Cup runners-up. Guptill and Nicholls/Munro will face Jasprit Bumrah and Co. in the first semifinal so, their woes are likely to continue against one of the best bowlers of the tournament.

#1 India's top order and the spin twins

Yuzvendra Chahal and Rohit Sharma have shone the brightest in the 2019 World Cup

Shifting our focus to the Men in Blue now, India’s top order and spin attack has given nightmares to each of their opponents in this World Cup. Speaking about the top order first, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli have formed a terrific combination at the top.

All the three batsmen have scored runs with supreme consistency in this mega-event. The trio knows to rise to the occasion and expect them to make the fullest use of their experience in the first semifinal.

Amongst the bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah has been the team’s vital cog but is the wrist spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal which has proven to be the x-factor of the Indian team.

The spin twins have taken a combined total of 17 wickets in this World Cup. The Kiwi batsmen have often struggled against spin in the previous matches against India. Thus, Kuldeep and Chahal have a considerable chance of running through the New Zealand line-up.