Kiwis bid for upset

The World Cup semifials will start today with India taking on New Zealand and all eyes will be glued to each sides’ No. 3 batsmen and captains, Kane Williamson (L) and Virat Kohli. However, the Kiwis will be far more dependent on their captain than the Indians, whose other batsmen have also been firing throughout. PHOTO: REUTERS

Sachin Tendulkar may have unwittingly provided New Zealand with extra motivation to cause a huge upset in Tuesday’s World Cup semi-final against India when he wished MS Dhoni happy birthday and  “all the very best for the next two games”.

The implication of the retired batting great’s remarks was that India wicketkeeper Dhoni, who turned 38 on Sunday, and his team-ates already have one foot in the July 14 final at Lord’s against England or Australia.

India, whose group match against 2015 runners-up New Zealand was washed out, have suffered just one defeat at this World Cup so far, against England, and ended on top of the 10-team group stage, making them strong favourites to beat the Black Caps.

India captain Virat Kohli’s side appear to have an embarrassment of riches at their disposal, with Bumrah saying:  “It’s a good headache to have when everyone’s performing and everyone’s in good nick and that’s something you love to have going into a crucial game like next week’s semi-final.” But if New Zealand, whose attack is set to feature experienced left-arm quick Trent Boult and fit-again fast bowler Lockie Ferguson -- can find a way through India’s top three, they could expose a lengthy tail.

The Black Caps, who only qualified for the semifinals on the basis of net run-rate, have lost their last three games -- against Pakistan, holders Australia and England.

“People aren’t expecting us to win and from my point of view I think that’s a good place to be in,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead told reporters at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Batting first has become an increasingly successful tactic at the World Cup in general and at Old Trafford in particular, where it’s been part of the winning strategy featured in all five previous games on the ground.

“India are also a fantastic chasing team as well,” said Stead. “But when you get to this stage of the tournament, sometimes pressure can do funny things on people as well. If we can apply enough pressure, then you never know what might happen.” But in order for that to happen Stead’s side will have to be competitive with the bat.

“Kane has stood up brilliantly for us,” said Stead.  “I don’t think we’ll be doing anything drastic, we know we have to be better than what we have been so far.”

India may have the look of cricket thoroughbreds, but Ferguson made it clear the Black Caps had no intention of just making up the numbers.