World Cup nemeses India and New Zealand in crucial showdown

DHARAMSALA: India and New Zealand, the only two undefeated teams in the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023, will be facing each other today (Sunday) at HPCA Stadium.

With four wins from four matches, both teams will aim to widen the gap between them and the pursuing contenders while extending their respective winning streaks.

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Historically, New Zealand has held a certain advantage over India in the tournament, boasting a 5-3 lead in previous encounters. The team was victorious in their last World Cup showdown, which eventually led them to the 2019 Final which they lost to England.

However, India, buoyed by their impressive start on home soil, including resounding triumphs over arch-rivals Pakistan and the five-time champions Australia, can aim to dismiss any lingering concerns from their past clashes.

Ahead of this crucial match, the hosts will be compelled to make at least one alteration, as all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to sit out due to an ankle injury sustained during the Bangladesh match.

New Zealand will once again be missing out on the leadership of their captain, Kane Williamson. Tom Latham has stepped in as captain and showcased his batting prowess with two half-centuries. Additionally, Devon Conway has emerged as a key run-scorer for New Zealand, amassing an impressive 249 runs, placing him as the fourth-highest scorer in the tournament.

India boasts two daunting batsmen ahead of New Zealand’s dynamic duo, with Rohit Sharma (265) and Virat Kohli (259) demonstrating a remarkable form that promises a thrilling showdown between these contenders.

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Here are the squads for the match ahead:

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav.

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.