This Super Sunday spectacle of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 features two undefeated behemoths, New Zealand and India, squaring off in a contest that promises to be nothing short of thrilling. With both teams having secured victory in all four of their previous matches, the stakes have never been higher.
New Zealand currently sits at the top of the points table, flaunting an impressive net run rate of 1.923. Whereas, India secured the 2nd spot, bolstered by a remarkable net run rate of 1.659.
India’s relentless march through the World Cup continues to gather momentum. In their most recent outing against Bangladesh, they delivered a masterclass in both batting and bowling.
Restricting Bangladesh to a modest 256/8, India effortlessly chased down the target, largely thanks to the prowess of their top-order lineup.
Shubman Gill showcased his mettle with a half-century, Rohit Sharma’s imperious form was on full display with a brisk 48, and Virat Kohli’s 48th ODI century added the finishing flourish to an imposing performance.
Rohit Sharma now stands as the leading run-scorer in the tournament, amassing 265 runs in just four innings at an astonishing average of 66.25. He is closely followed by Virat Kohli, who boasts 259 runs from four innings at an astounding average of 129.50.
India’s bowling unit stands as a well-rounded force, led by the indomitable Jasprit Bumrah, who has collected 10 wickets in four innings. Mohammed Siraj is expected to pose a significant challenge on this particular pitch.
In the spinning department, the Kiwis must grapple with India’s formidable duo of Kuldeep Yadav (6 wickets in 4 innings) and Ravindra Jadeja (7 wickets in 4 innings), who consistently strangle oppositions during the middle overs.
On the other side, New Zealand has been a model of pure excellence throughout the World Cup, outclassing opponents with unwavering authority. Their most recent victory saw them hand Afghanistan a resounding 149-run defeat in Chennai after amassing 288-6 on the scoreboard.
New Zealand’s top and middle-order lineup is a formidable force to reckon with. Conway has been the cornerstone of the team’s batting in this World Cup, accumulating 249 runs in four innings at an impressive average of 83.
Rachin Ravindra, a young spin-bowling all-rounder, has showcased tremendous promise in the No. 3 position, amassing 214 runs in four innings at an average of 71.66.
Moreover, the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, Mitchell Santner (11 wickets) is expected to keep things tight and build pressure, potentially inducing rash strokes from the opposition.
In a match that promises high-voltage action and pulsating drama, it is impossible to predict the outcome with certainty. The only certainty is that cricket aficionados across the globe are in for a riveting showdown between two of the game’s most dominant forces.
IND vs NZ Predicted Playing XI
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Suryakumar Yadav /Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Shami/Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c & wk), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
Also Read: ODI World Cup 2023: Top 3 Captain Picks For IND vs NZ Fantasy Team
