India Set For New Zealand Clash In World Cup
India may be the outstanding team at the World Cup but coach Rahul Dravid has warned Wednesday's semi-final against New Zealand in Mumbai represents the "pointy end in a tournament".
- 'Leading by example' -
Trending
Wednesday's match takes place at Rohit's Wankhede Stadium home ground, where India bowled out Sri Lanka for just 55 to win by 302 runs in the group stage, with the aggressive 36-year-old opener leading from the front at what could be his last World Cup.
"Rohit has certainly been a leader, without a doubt," said India batting great Dravid. "He's cracked open games for us.
"We've talked about playing in a particular way. You cannot do that unless your leader really buys in and actually shows by example."
New Zealand, in contrast to India, are in the semi-finals despite losing four of their nine group games.
But they now have a clean slate, with captain and key batsman Kane Williamson, following an injury-plagued tournament, returning to form with 95 on his comeback against Pakistan.
A proven pace trio of Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson are capable of succeeding against even the strongest batting line-up, with miserly left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner (16 wickets at under 25) an often under-rated threat.
Runners-up at the last two World Cups, New Zealand also boast a break-out rising star in Rachin Ravindra, with the 23-year-old left-hander having already scored 565 runs.
The son of Indian-born parents, Ravindra is also the first New Zealander to compile three hundreds at a single World Cup, with his century on tournament debut against England followed by further three-figure scores against Australia and Pakistan.
"You dream of playing against India and a full crowd at the Wankhede, a ground with so much history," said Ravindra.
Also Read: Join Our WhatsApp Channel For World Cup Updates
"We'll stay level, we'll try our best. We know we can't win every game of cricket...but we'll see how it plays out."
