Trent Boult, whose Player of the Match showing against Sri Lanka on Thursday helped New Zealand place a firm grip on a semi-final spot at the 2023 World Cup, is excited about the possibility of a repeat of the 2019 World Cup semi-final.
After New Zealands big win over Sri Lanka in Bengaluru, a decent idea of what the semi-final fixtures could look like at the 2023 ICC Mens Cricket World Cup can be formed.
While there are still mathematical possibilities for Pakistan or Afghanistan to edge out the Black Caps, they are pretty slim.
In all likelihood, the tournament is likely to witness a repeat of the 2019 World Cup semi-final clash with India taking on New Zealand at the Wankhede on November 15.
I cant speak on what theyre thinking but from our point of view to play World Cup in India and to come up against the host nation a team thats red hot playing good cricket at a great ground – you couldnt script it any better, Boult exclaimed at the post-match press conference.
So excited if that happens, I feel like weve done all we can from our point of view and yeah, well just wait and see what happens.
As it stands, Pakistan need to win by 287 runs or win in three overs after bowling England out for 100 if they are to make the semi-finals over New Zealand. Afghanistans chances are slimmer. This leaves New Zealand as clear favourites to reach the semi-final, in which case theyd be facing India.
Earlier in the competition, when the teams met in Dharamsala, India won by four wickets chasing 274. New Zealands total of 273 is the highest score by any team against India this tournament.
The conditions in Mumbai are expected to be more batting-friendly than in Dharamsala, but Boult isnt looking too far ahead.
Hard to comment on what the conditions will be at Wankhede, but you know, history suggests its a good wicket and, yeah, nice to have come up against them in Dharamshala.
Totally different ground and different facilities, but, yeah, well turn our focus to that challenge. Very, very good players, but pressure does things to the best of players at any time. So just look forward to taking that on.
Talking of Indias proactive approach with the bat, Boult commented that it opens up possibilities for the bowling side too, but maintained that it would be immensely exciting to face the hosts in a semi-final.
Theyre playing a positive style of cricket and yeah, I suppose playing shots does present chances – but yeah, were going to be very clear with how were going to tackle that game, if it happens, it still has to be ticked off.
But, yeah, I think therell be a lot of excitement and the prospect of that challenge and like I said it doesnt get any bigger than taking on India in front of 1.5 billion people.
