New Delhi: India is riding high on confidence entering the semi-finals, but if there is one team the men in blue would be nervous to face in knockout matches, it’s the New Zealand team. Historically, India hasn’t enjoyed favourable results against the Kiwis in knockout encounters.
Every Indian cricket fan still carries the bitter taste of the World Cup 2019 semi-final defeat as if it were yesterday—a haunting memory of losses to New Zealand in past ICC events.
Let’s take a look at India’s performances in knockout matches over the years against the mighty New Zealand, as they are set to clash at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup Semi-Final.
ICC Champions Trophy Final, 2000
India, opting to bat, saw a strong start from Ganguly and Tendulkar, forming a 141-run opening partnership. Despite a middle-order stumble, they posted 264/6. New Zealand faced early challenges, but Chris Cairns’ unbeaten 102 led a remarkable comeback, securing a narrow win with four wickets and two balls to spare. Chris Harris’ 46 further bolstered the Kiwi triumph.
ICC World Cup Semi-Final, 2019
In a gripping 2019 World Cup semi-final, New Zealand set a challenging target of 240 for India. Rain interrupted play, extending the suspense to the next day. Facing adverse conditions, India’s top order collapsed, managing only 221. Despite MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja’s valiant efforts, the team fell short by 18 runs, with Dhoni’s run-out adding a heartbreaking twist. New Zealand’s tight victory secured their spot in the final, leaving Indian fans disappointed.
ICC World Test Championship Final, 2021
In the ICC World Test Championship final at Southampton, India’s batting woes continued against New Zealand’s potent bowling, with Kyle Jamieson’s impressive 5/31 restricting them to 217 in the first innings. Struggling again in the second inning, India managed only 170. New Zealand chased down the target of 139 with calm assurance, thanks to an unbroken partnership between Williamson and Ross Taylor, securing the championship title.