The battle of the unbeaten
STAR SPORTS DESK
The two leading teams so far in the World Cup will put their undefeated streaks on the line today when hosts India take on New Zealand in Dharamshala in what has all the makings of being a salivating contest.
New Zealand and India have been a cut above the rest so far in the tournament, defeating their first four opponents in the World Cup by sound margins to occupy the first and second spot in the points-table respectively.
Both teams come to the match at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium on the back of comfortable victories.
India completed a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Pune while the Kiwis overpowered Afghanistan in Chennai on their way to a nine-wicket win.
Tom Latham, who has been leading New Zealand in the absence of injured captain Kane Williamson, feels that the match could end up being a battle between the Kiwi pacers and Indian top-order.
“India’s top order have been fantastic this tournament. And again, our bowling attack has done a really good job up front as well. So that’s going to be a great contest with bat and ball,” Latham said on Saturday.
India will have the advantage of playing in front of a packed home crowd and history also favours India as they have been dominant in home ODIs against New Zealand in the past, winning 29 out of the 38 ODIs against the Black Caps on home soil.
However, when it comes to World Cups, New Zealand have the upper hand against India.
In their nine previous meetings in the showpiece event, New Zealand have won five times, India thrice, while the other match got washed out.
The last World Cup meeting between the sides was in the semifinal of the 2019 edition, which New Zealand won by 18 runs.
Latham, however, downplayed their good record against India in the 50-over showpiece and heaped praises on his opponents.
“They’re a fantastic team. They’ve been playing some great cricket for a long period of time. We’ve had some great contests in ICC events, but also in bilateral series, whether that be home or away,” Latham said on Saturday.
New Zealand have been managing the injuries of key players Williamson and pacer Tim Southee throughout the tournament.
Williamson recovered from an ACL injury to play against Bangladesh, where he again hurt his thumb owing to a misdirected throw from Najmul Hossain Shanto.
The Kiwi camp had said that Williamson is unlikely to return to action this month and on Saturday Latham reaffirmed the status of the star top-order batsman.
“Fingers crossed he’ll be available for later on in the tournament,” said Latham.
However, there was some good news for the Kiwis as Southee is finally fit to play his first match in the tournament, confirmed Latham.
India, on the other hand, will have to replace all-rounder Hardik Pandya in the XI, who hurt his ankle during the match against Bangladesh.
India have a few options up their sleeves, as they could strengthen their batting by adding batter Ishan Kishan or Surya Kumar Yadav in place of Pandya, or include a fast bowling option in Mohammad Shami.