World Cup 2019: What should be India's strategy against Kiwis?
What's the story
India will be up against New Zealand in the semi-final of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019. The two sides will meet each other at Old Trafford in Manchester. The clash is on Tuesday at 3:00 PM IST. Men in Blue, who finished atop the 10-team table, will need to use certain specific tactics to overcome Kiwis. Here we decode the same.
Semis
Key info about the semi-finals clashes
India beat Sri Lanka on Saturday, and finished with 15 points and took the first place. Meanwhile, Kiwis, who lost their last three league games, ended with 11 points. Their better NRR saw them qualify ahead of Pakistan. The team that finished top will take on the side ending on fourth place. In the other semi-final, Australia will face England at Edgbaston.
Bowling
India should go in with six bowling options
India should opt for six bowlers against the Kiwis. Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar will need to play together. With Shami not being effective at the death, he can be used more at the beginning and then during the middle phase. Hardik Pandya will continue as the fourth pacer. One wrist-spinner and Ravindra Jadeja should complete the bowling line-up.
Jadeja
Jadeja needs to be playing in the semis
Jadeja showed his influence with the ball against Sri Lanka. It was his first match of the 2019 World Cup and he gave a solid account of himself. He can get his quota completed quickly, besides containing the flow of runs. Jadeja is also an excellent fielder and can be useful at number seven. With Bhuvi in, India can afford to drop a batsman.
Openers
India openers should go in with attacking intent
India should continue with the attacking intent in the first power-play. After facing issues against England, the top order has shown aggression in the games against Bangladesh and Lanka. With both openers in dream form, India will have enjoy an edge if openers attack from the word go. Although, they should be wary of the in-form Trent Boult. He has been excellent in 2019.
Strategy
How India should attack with the ball?
Kane Williamson is key for NZ. Indian captain Virat Kohli should get his best bowlers bowling at them. Williamson fell against Mitchell Starc in the game against Australia, when he looked set. So getting in Bumrah and having a crack at Kane will be a good tactic. Also, India need to search for wickets at the top. The openers of Kiwis have failed consistently.