The Cricket World Cup semi-finals begin tonight and, although they say anything can happen once you reach the semis, the Black Caps bandwagon looks very bare ahead of their match with India.
After getting off to a flyer in the group stage with comfortable wins over the minnows, the Black Caps were found wanting in the latter matches, suffering heavy defeats at the hands of Australia, Pakistan and England.
With the Black Caps limping towards the knockout stage and India’s form improving by the match, is there any chance the Kiwis can pull off the upset?
Or are they just making up the semi-final numbers?
Roar cricket expert Glenn Mitchell joined us on the Game of Codes podcast to preview tonight’s semi-final.
Listen to the discussion:
New Zealand were monstered in the five-game ODI series the two sides played earlier in the season – with one exception. Game 4 saw the home side bowl the visitors out for a paltry total of 92 inside 31 overs.
Was that game just an aberration? Or does it give the underdogs a blueprint to success tonight?
Visit our Game of Codes hub to catch the full episode and be sure to subscribe and review on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever else you’re listening.
Zozza
Guest
Here is my prediction - India win the toss and bat first. The overcast conditions encourage some early movement, and before you know it, they are 6-80. The tail wags quite well, and they are all out 180. NZ Bat and Guptil gets to 80 odd in quick time. NZ win by 7-8 wickets. It will possibly be a good toss to lose.
Cantab
Roar Rookie
Bat first and score 250+ and NZ are in the game. Bowling attack has been great, batting has been woeful.
bobbo7
Guest
Of the last 6 ODIs games played between the countries NZ has won 2 - about 33% India are favourites but NZ certainly are capable if winning
U
Roar Rookie
Their chances are a bit wild and woolly but you never know. They’d have to play a perfect game
Paul
Roar Guru
This game will be all about how much Black Cap players believe they can beat India. The talent is there, albeit underperforming, but at this level a bit of luck for bowler or batsman, the team lifts and downs Kohli's guys. The Kiwis are quite capable of getting to Lords.
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
The Black Caps HAVE limped into the semis this time around and the task ahead may appear monumental but... It’s a pretty simple equation really Guppy is due and he is class once he gets going, keeps his head still and holds the pose. The openers have to last 5-10 overs and rotate strike. Smash the bad ball for sure but… set a platform for Williamson and Taylor and we will post a decent score. Fielding: clinical. Has to be. Take your chances and save runs. Pressure often creates run-outs. Bowling: Line and length first. Bowl as a group and create pressure. And don’t be afraid to bowl 1st when there is likely to be something in the wicket. In Boulty we have the next best swing bowler in the game (to Starc) so use him. Winning the toss would be handy but I'm going to buck the trend here and suggest it won't matter much as India will bat. And we should bowl. My reasoning? Fresh pitch. And weather is dodgy. Rainy/overcast. The ball may move in the air and off the seam in the first 5, maybe 10, overs. We've had success with this methodology before. The Black Caps have a decent record chasing and if we can get a wicket or 3 in the 1st 5 overs, apply pressure as a group and field well, I believe we can keep India to something manageable. This would see India having to respond under pressure. And then all we need is someone to go with Kane and Rosco and we're in with a decent show. Batting 2nd can be an advantage if Duckworth-Lewis gets a say too. But 1st and foremost, we need to remember this is a fresh slate, release the demons and believe we can do it... because we can...
Carlin
Roar Rookie
It is fair to say we have limped into the semi-finals. I am hoping the conditions are overcast and we can bowl first and see if Trent Boult and co. can get the ball swinging. Going to be a big ask to get out the Indian top order cheaply as they are in great from. The batting whether chasing or setting a target needs to have some production from the openers. At least one needs to anchor the inning and bat for a good period of time. The middle order has had too much to do in this tournament.
bobbo7
Guest
Bat first and I reckon NZ are every chance. NZ have been far from their best so far and if they can put a solid performance together they have the bowling to take the wickets. Add to that there is no real pressure on NZ - no one expects them to win.