India set to face New Zealand in Semi Final Match at Wankhede, Mumbai

India and New Zealand are set to face each other in the highly anticipated first semi-final of the ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023. The match will take place at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium tomorrow. With only three matches left in the tournament, this encounter is expected to be a thrilling spectacle as both teams compete for a place in the final.

India, currently leading the points table, will be up against New Zealand, who are in the fourth position. The match is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. India remained unbeaten in the tournament so far, while New Zealand has won five matches and suffered four defeats in their nine matches, including a loss to India earlier in the competition.

The recent victory of India over New Zealand is overshadowed by the historical record in ICC tournaments, especially the unforgettable 2019 ODI Cricket World Cup semi-final where New Zealand won by 18 runs against India.

This match holds a special significance for both teams as India aims to break their streak of faltering in crucial matches while New Zealand seeks to showcase their resilience on the big stage. With both teams securing a spot in the knockout stage, the outcome of this clash is unpredictable. India is expected to maintain their winning combination, with Mohammed Siraj likely to feature after recovering from an injury. On the other hand, New Zealand may stick to their strategy of surprise lineup changes to unsettle the opposition.

The Wankhede Stadium is well-known for its high-scoring matches, thanks to its small ground and a pitch that favors batsmen. Boundaries and sixes are encouraged due to the batting-friendly conditions, although the spin-friendly nature of the pitch also gives bowlers a chance to shine.

According to AccuWeather, Mumbai is expected to have a sunny day with temperatures ranging from 26 to 34 degrees Celsius. Unlike the rain-affected 2019 semi-final, the weather conditions for this crucial match are predicted to remain clear. The winner of this clash will progress to the final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on November 19, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between Australia and South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.