IND Vs. NZ 2023 Cricket World Cup Group Stage EXPERT ANALYSIS, BETTING, PREVIEW Copy

MATCH ANALYSIS IN BRIEF

KEY BETTING STATS

• India reached the semi-finals having won all nine of their 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup matches played across the group stage – To Win the Match.
• Virat Kohli has accumulated 594 runs for India across the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup group stage, more than any other competing player – Team – Top Batter.
• Rachin Ravindra has scored over 28.5 runs for New Zealand in five of their last six matches at the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup – Batter Match Runs.

BETTING ANALYSIS For INDIA

India’s record across the group stage was unmatched, winning all nine of their matches played, their final game a 160-run thrashing of Netherlands, a match which saw their entire top five record scores of 50+ runs. They also defeated New Zealand by four wickets, who they face again here. Expect the host nation to name an unchanged side from that who played this past Sunday, with vice-captain and all-rounder Hardik Pandya out of the tournament with a ligament injury.

India’s victory against New Zealand in the group stage saw Virat Kohli top score for his side, hitting 95 from 104 balls. Since then, the superstar batter has added a further 240 runs to his overall total of 594 as it stands. He comes into the semi-finals on the back of 51, 101 not out, and 88 from his last three innings and should be backed to record a second score of 50+ runs (2.10) against New Zealand across this tournament. This isn’t the only area worth investing in where Kohli is concerned, as those bettors searching for perhaps a riskier bet that offers a higher return can not only back Kohli to finish this semi-final having scored his third hundred of the competition (4.33), but also invest a stake in the 35-year-old to be named ‘Player of the Match’ (7.50).

Experience can prove golden in pressure games such as this, which enhances the appeal of backing Kohli from a bettors’ point of view and Rohit Sharma’s. India’s captain and opener has recorded a score of over 38.5 runs in seven of the nine innings he has played in this World Cup so far. Backing him to do the same again here (1.83) is a sensible move to make. He also warrants backing to score over 0.5 match sixes (1.66) on the back of having broken the record for most ODI sixes in a calendar year.

While most bettors will rightly be eying up Mohammed Shami on the bowling front when taking into account his 5/54 against New Zealand in the group stage, teammate Ravindra Jadeja cannot go without a mention. The left-arm spin-bowler has picked up seven wickets over the course of his last two games and may have a big part to play in the middle overs of New Zealand’s innings, regardless of whether they are setting or chasing a target. Back Jadeja will finish as India’s top bowler (6.00). 

BETTING ANALYSIS For NEW ZEALAND

After having lost four consecutive group games, New Zealand held their nerve and put in an excellent all-round performance to get the better of Sri Lanka by five wickets in their last match and secure this semi-final clash with India. The Black Caps defeated the same opponent at this stage of the ICC Cricket World Cup back in 2019. Fast bowler Matt Henry is unavailable for New Zealand, but fellow pacer Lockie Ferguson is fit after coming through the win over Sri Lanka, while Rachin Ravindra is expected to open again with Devon Conway with captain Kane Williamson at number three.

Ravindra has been a breakout star for New Zealand with the bat, racking up 565 runs across the group stage, a total bettered by only Virat Kohli and Quinton de Kock. The 23-year-old has reached the half-century mark five times in nine innings, including against India, and warrants backing to do the same here (2.75).

If New Zealand are to get the better of their formidable opponents, early wickets from Trent Boult will be absolutely critical to their hopes. The quick bowler provides a point of difference through his left-arm pace and swing, plus he has a point to prove following a group stage that hasn’t quite seen him show his best form. But Boult is a ‘big-game player’ and has great knowledge of playing at the Wankhede Stadium, having done so for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Therefore, backing him to accrue 2+ wickets (1.83) should be seriously considered.

Although Kane Williamson has had just three innings across this World Cup so far, the Black Caps skipper has still managed to record 187 runs. His calming presence at the crease and steely determination will make him very difficult for the Indian bowlers to dismiss, and it would be no surprise to see him come up clutch for his country on this huge occasion, so explore a stake on Williamson via the ‘Team – Top Batter’ market (4.75).

CRICKET 8’S EXPERT PREDICTION

While India rightly comes into this semi-final encounter as the clear favorite to win, having looked imperious across the group stage and already with a win against New Zealand under their belts, underestimate the Black Caps at your peril. So often, Kane Williamson’s side makes a habit of upsetting the odds, and their memorable win over India at this stage of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup serves as a huge warning for Rohit Sharma’s men.

But on this occasion, India will have a home advantage, and the huge difference that makes in terms of crowd support and local knowledge regarding both the ground and the conditions cannot be understated. Their bowling line-up is strong enough to make early in-roads into the New Zealand batting line-up and keep the pressure on throughout, even if they are to bowl first in what will be extremely hot conditions in Mumbai. Then you factor in an Indian top order in excellent form, with any of the top five capable of playing a match-winning innings if required. All this combined makes India worth backing to defeat New Zealand by a higher margin than 6.5 wickets or 37.5 runs.

TIP

INDIA TO WIN WITH -6.5 WICKETS / -37.5 RUNS MATCH HANDICAP (1.90)