NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Chandu Borde expressed his optimism about India's chances in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final clash against New Zealand, citing the team's completeness and all-round performance in the league stage. Speaking to ANI, Borde highlighted several factors that he believes give India an advantage in the crucial encounter at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
"Reaching the semis is a good achievement. Both teams will try to reach the final. We are expecting good cricket. From the Indian point of view, the way boys are playing, they are playing confidently," said Borde, emphasising the high confidence level within the Indian team.
Borde underlined the significance of India's home advantage, stating, "The expectations from the team are very high. In India, cricket is popular, so people will be backing them." He added that the familiarity with home conditions and the strong support from the home audience are additional factors that could work in India's favour.
"The confidence level of the team is high; they are used to the conditions, they are backed by people at home, and it has given them confidence. These three factors will be a plus for India and help them do well," Borde asserted.
Acknowledging the importance of the toss, Borde noted, "I think toss will play a good part. In the evening, the dew factor plays a part. There are lights as well. So it is better to bat first and put up a good score." He highlighted the aggressive and confident starts provided by openers Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma as crucial for boosting the team's overall confidence.
While expressing confidence in India's middle-order performance, with Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul in fine form, Borde cautioned against underestimating New Zealand. "NZ has reached the semis; they have also played well. They beat us once," he recalled.
1/10:Hosts India braced for 'pressure' World Cup semi-final against New Zealand
AFP
2/10:India's dominance in the tournament
Team India has won all nine of their league games and boasts a formidable fast-bowling line-up.AP
3/10:New Zealand's previous success vs India
New Zealand defeated India in the 2019 World Cup semi-final and are looking to repeat their success.PTI
4/10:India's long wait for World Cup success
Team India has not won a World Cup title since 2011 and is eager to claim their third title.AFP
5/10:New Zealand's strong batting line-up
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and batsman Rachin Ravindra are key players in their batting line-up.AFP
6/10:India won the league stage battle
India defeated New Zealand in the league stage, with Shami taking 5 wickets and Kohli scoring 95 runs.PTI
7/10:India's home advantage
The semi-final will take place at Rohit Sharma's home ground, Wankhede Stadium, giving India an advantage.AFP
8/10:New Zealand's strong bowling attack
New Zealand's pace attack, led by Trent Boult and Tim Southee, poses a threat to India's batting line-up.ANI
9/10:Dravid backs Team India
India's coach Rahul Dravid acknowledges the pressure but believes in the team's ability to handle it.Reuters
10/10:New Zealand's break-out star
Rachin Ravindra, a young left-handed batsman, has impressed with his performances in the World Cup.ANIAs the cricketing world eagerly anticipated the clash, Borde summed up his assessment, stating, "Another plus point is how Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are performing. India is a complete team. Be it in bowling or batting."
When asked about his favourite ODI batter from the current Team India, Borde diplomatically responded, "Favourite ODI batter is difficult to decide as all are playing well, be it Rohit, Virat, Gill, Iyer, KL, etc."
(With inputs from ANI)
