After New Zealand’s (NZ) thumping win over Sri Lanka, the Kiwis almost seem to have a foot in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup and could possibly meet Team India in the knockouts. Kane Williamson and his men dished out another professional performance, beating Sri Lanka by 65 runs.
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The Men in Blue have also got off to a fantastic start, winning both their games so far. If both these teams top their respective groups, there is a chance that they might meet in the final. But if the Kiwis top their group and India finish second, these two may well play out another World Cup semifinal.
Indian fans don’t have great memories of playing knockout games against the Kiwis of late. They lost to the Blackcaps in the 2019 World Cup semifnal, 2021 World Test Championship final as well as in the must-win game in last year’s T20 World Cup.
These fans are just hoping that the Men in Blue somehow avoid the Kiwis in such crunch games because the latter always seem to bring their A-game to the table. Here are some of the reactions:
Glenn Phillips’ heroic hundred took New Zealand to 167/7, a total that seemed far-fetched at 15/3. However, the total still looked within Sri Lanka’s reach and the Kiwis needed a good start with the ball.
I just want NZ to keep winning, so that they can top their group table.
Doing so, India won’t have to play them in semis, which is a big relief for Indian fans and players. #T20WC #5-3 #INDvNZ #INDvsNZ
— Holy Cricket Christ! (@CricketInsight3) October 29, 2022
Still remember #INDVSNZ #CWC19 https://t.co/lY5hh7YxIS
— Armaan Guleria (@arman_guleria) October 29, 2022
#IndvsNz semi-final loading?
— (@Kapil__18) October 29, 2022
If India loses tomorrow it will likely be India vs New Zealand in the semi finals again #indvsnz
— Daniel Alexander RIP (@DanielRIP16) October 29, 2022
If India in #INDvSA , 2007 may repeat . #INDvsPAK Final ( history might repeat)
.
If India loose from SA , 2019
MAY repeat. #INDvsNZ semi final
( Pakistan will call us cheaters )
— Naveen | Cinematic Moody Edits (@shivnshots) October 30, 2022
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In fact, they got an even better start as Trent Boult and Tim Southee, for the umpteenth time, made the new ball talk and had the opposition reeling at 8/4.
