‘Team India wouldn’t want to face New Zealand…’ – Former English cricketer’s bold and audacious claim ahead of semis

Team India will be playing their first semi-final game of the ODI World Cup 2023 against New Zealand on November 15 at the iconic Wankhede Cricket Stadium in Mumbai. Notably, the Men in Blue will end the league stage as the top team, with eight out of eight wins in the tournament so far. Rohit Sharma and Co. will be facing the Netherlands for the last and final game of the league stage.

However, ahead of their semi-final clash, former English cricketer Steve Harmison feels that Team India definitely would not want to play their game against strong Kiwis as New Zealand are very strong in character as well as knows how to perform in knockout games. Moreover, the former fast bowler says that Black Caps are back in character with full fitness.

“A quality side like New Zealand, you can never write them off. Out of the three teams that are in the semi-finals with India, I’ve got a funny feeling that they are the one team that India wouldn’t want to play because they have character. They are all coming back to fitness,” Steve Harmison told ESPNCricinfo.

All the pressure is now on Team India: Steve Harmison

Steve Harmison reiterates that at this moment, Team India would want to face the Black Caps, especially in the semi-final games. In addition, the 45-year-old cricketer says that all the pressure is now on the hosts ahead of their first semi-final games. However, the former right-arm pacer accepted that New Zealand is also not in that great form and can defeat India easily.

“I wouldn’t say they are all in prime form. But on the big stage, India and New Zealand have been here before. All the pressure is now on India. Indian cricketers are used to playing under pressure so I don’t think that will harm them too much. If India had one side they didn’t want to play in the semi-final, it would be New Zealand,” he added.