IND vs NZ: The stage is all set for the first knockout game of the ICC World Cup 2023 where India will take on New Zealand in the first semifinal. The contest is slated to be played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai starting at 2:00 PM. Good weather and a clear sky are expected for India vs New Zealand. This post reads the IND vs NZ Rain Prediction, the Weather Forecast of Mumbai, and the Pitch Report for the 1st Semifinal.
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India have enjoyed their journey in the World Cup this year as they are the only team to be undefeated. They ended the group stage at the top of the World Cup 2023 points table with 18 points. India have displayed a perfect example of the team game and the environment of the dugout has been excellent.
Getting to this stage has not been easy for New Zealand; in fact, they have lost four games in a row, all against teams who are in the top half of the rankings. And yet, here they are—for the ninth time—in a World Cup semifinal.
On Wednesday, Kane Williamson’s team will face off against their rivals on an equal footing at the historic grounds of Indian cricket. Although they have happily accepted the label of underdogs for the majority of their cricketing careers and have even relished the freedom it entails, they are by no means inferior.
India has endured four years with the memories of Manchester and much longer without a victory in the ICC tournament’s knockout stage. It’s perhaps for the best that they have a brief and quick two-day break before this match in Mumbai so they don’t overthink the situation.
New Zealand is aware that India would be under a lot of pressure to meet all the expectations placed on them, to break the curse of the elimination round, and to maintain the legends of their superstars. While the opponent faces several challenges, New Zealand can focus on perfecting their one-percenters, matching up effectively in one-on-one contests, and caring about the little things to find a spark.
Down below is the IND vs NZ Rain Prediction, the Weather Forecast of Mumbai, and the Pitch Report for the 1st Semifinal:
IND vs NZ Weather Forecast
A hot but overcast day in Mumbai City. Mumbai has very ‘stable but dynamic’ kind of weather throughout the year. Today, on 15 November 2023, the temperature of Mumbai City is expected to peak at 34°C in the afternoon and drop further as the sun goes down.
Humidity is predicted to hover between 40-60% in the match hours and winds will gust towards the Northwest at a speed of ~14Kmh during the day. A clear sky means a hot and dry day at the Wankhede Stadium.
IND vs NZ Rain Prediciton
There are zero chances of rain in Mumbai City of Maharashtra. The rain possibility is nearly nil during the match hours, however, there will be ~10% of the sky covered under clouds. An overcast day for India vs New Zealand is what weather.com predicts. Though, as it is aforementioned, the weather here in Mumbai is very dynamic. It can rain anytime when it is Mumbai but we must hope for a full 100-over game.
Pitch Report of Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
It is said that Wankhede Stadium is a batting nirvana. It is well known that the pitch allows batters to hit the ball across its line and is batting-friendly throughout the game. This match is expected to be highly scoring. A few reports were out that Indian management asked pitch curators to razer out all the grass and prepare a slow pitch.
The sample size of the ground is adequate, as there are only 26 ODIs being played here. These games often end with a first-inning score of 256, with the team batting first holding a 14–12 advantage over the team batting second.
Who will win IND Vs NZ?
Although India emerged as the best side in the World Cup 2023, they are in the side having most of the pressure. India is the stronger side on head-to-head comparison but their 9-year knockout jinx will be on their mind.
Ignoring the previous records, India are looking the strongest and they are the favorites to win the match.
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