An India-New Zealand semi story: An element of spice & unpredictability

India starts as favourites, but should take nothing for granted against New Zealand

India will fancy its chances against New Zealand in the ICC World Cup semi-final on Tuesday. New Zealand, the perennial underdogs, started the tournament at a gallop, but has lost its last three matches. Its openers have had a dismal run; it relies too heavily on its captain, Kane Williamson; and of the formidable fast bowling duo of Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson, the latter is carrying an injury niggle.

Indian cricket during a training session, England, June 19. Beyond the top three, India’s batting is suspect. Sharma cannot score a century every time he walks out to bat. And there is not enough evidence of how, without towering contributions from the top three, India will handle a big run chase (AP)

India, on the other hand, has built up a fine head of steam. It has topped the group stages, having lost only one match; Rohit Sharma has defied the law of averages (and, on occasion, of physics as well); Captain Virat Kohli, calm and consistent, is due a big score; Jasprit Bumrah has lived up to every expectation; Mohammad Shami, despite being expensive towards the end of an innings, seems reborn as an attacking threat; and the team looks assured and confident.

But there are no guarantees in sport. Beyond the top three, India’s batting is suspect. Sharma cannot score a century every time he walks out to bat (even a century from him was not enough for India to beat England). And there is not enough evidence of how, without towering contributions from the top three, India will handle a big run chase. If Boult and Ferguson strike form, and the top order get its act together, New Zealand can be a tricky side to take on.