ODI World Cup 2023, Semi-Final 1: New Zealand's strongest predicted playing XI against India

New Zealand (NZ) are set to clash against India (IND) in the ICC World Cup 2023 semi-final in Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on November 15. 

Kane Williamson's team secured their spot in the semi-final by defeating Sri Lanka in their last game, showcasing a strong performance when it mattered the most. Despite losing their previous four matches, they bounced back impressively. Williamson aims to replicate their success from 2019 when they eliminated India from the tournament. Although it will be a tough challenge, his team possesses the necessary resources to perform well.

Devon Conway has been in good form and will aim to provide a solid start alongside his partner Rachin Ravindra, who has made a name for himself in this tournament. Williamson himself is in good form at No. 3 and will look to anchor the innings along with Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman. Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, and Mitchell Santner are capable hitters who add depth to the batting line-up.

The team will rely on a strong start from Trent Boult and Tim Southee, both of whom have performed well against India in the past and will be expected to deliver in this crucial game. Lockie Ferguson impressed against Sri Lanka and will need to bowl tight spells in the middle overs alongside Santner. Phillips and Ravindra add variety to the bowling attack and will be crucial in this high-stakes battle.

Here's New Zealand's predicted XI against India:

Openers: Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway

Devon Conway began the tournament with a magnificent 152* against England in Ahmedabad. However, he failed to replicate his performance in the following matches and could only score 209 runs in the next eight matches. After a string of low scores, Conway will be desperate to find his form back and help his side advance through to the finals.

Rachin Ravindra has been the find of the tournament so far having scored 565 runs from nine innings at an average of 70.62 and a strike rate of 108.45 with three hundreds and two fifties to his name. He ranks on the third spot on the list of leading run scorers in the tournament so far and will be eager to climb to the top with another match-winning innings against India and help his side qualify for the finals.

Check Here: Most Runs in ODI World Cup 2023

Middle Order: Kane Williamson (c), Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Tom Latham (wk)

Kane Williamson made a terrific comeback to the side after sitting out due to injury. The Kiwi skipper played a brilliant innings of 95 (79) against Pakistan, however in a losing cause. Having regained fitness, Williamson will be eager to steer his team into the final with a captain’s knock against India.

Daryl Mitchell has been in great form in the tournament so far having scored 418 runs from eight innings at an average of 59.71 and a strike rate of 110.58. The 32-year-old has scored one hundred and three fifties in the tournament so far and will be hungry for another big innings against India.

Mark Chapman hasn’t looked at his best in the cricketing extravaganza having scored just 75 runs from five innings at an average of 29. Having not scored a single fifty in the tournament so far, Chapman will be hungry for a big innings in the upcoming fixture to help his side advance to the final.

Glenn Phillips has also chipped in with performances time and again in this tournament as he’s scored 244 runs from eight innings at an average of 40.85 and a strike rate of 110.65. Phillips has also been handy with the ball having scalped seven wickets from nine innings so far. He will look to bring his all-round skills to the fore in the upcoming fixture and help his side reach the final.

Tom Latham has had a below-par World Cup so far having scored 155 runs from seven innings at an average of 30.70 with two fifties to his name. Latham will look to find some form in the upcoming fixture and make a vital contribution to the team’s total against India. 

All Rounder: Mitchell Santner

Santner has been having a phenomenal World Cup so far as he’s done everything that’s been asked of him in the tournament so far. The southpaw has been handy down the order batting at a strike rate of 132. He’s also the leading wicket-taker for his side with 16 wickets from nine innings at an average of 24.88 and an economy of 5.07. 

Bowlers: Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee, Trent Boult

In the last match, Lockie bowled a very good spell and picked up two crucial wickets against Sri Lanka. He will be looking to trouble the Indian batters with his raw pace and bounce.

Having missed a large chunk of the tournament due to injury, Southee hasn’t looked at his best in the three matches he’s played and has just picked four wickets. With the knockouts approaching, Southee will look to find his mojo back in the upcoming fixture and will help his side qualify for the final.

Trent Boult had a great time in the last fixture as he took three crucial wickets upfront against Sri Lanka. He was one of a few behind India's poor performance in the last edition of the marquee event back in 2019. He will be looking to replicate his performance against the hosts in the semis of 2023 as well.

Also Check: Most Wickets in ODI World Cup 2023

New Zealand's Probable Predicted XI:

Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson (c), Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tom Latham (wk), Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee, Trent Boult