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Dharamsala (India) (AFP) – New Zealand skipper Tom Latham on Saturday stated hosts India have been taking part in “fantastic cricket” and the Kiwis might want to adapt rapidly to win the battle of World Cup table-toppers.
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Both groups come into the competition unbeaten of their 4 matches and now meet within the Himalayan hill city of Dharamsala to get forward of one another within the race to the semi-finals.
New Zealand have an edge over India in World Cup match-ups with a 5-3 benefit and knocked out the much-fancied staff within the semi-finals of the final version in 2019.
“I’m not sure to be honest,” Latham, who’s main the facet within the absence of the injured Kane Williamson, stated on his staff’s good report towards India on the 50-over showpiece.
“They’re a fantastic team. They’ve been playing some great cricket for a long period of time. We’ve had some great contests in ICC events, but also in bilateral series, whether that be home or away.”
New Zealand reached the ultimate of the final two World Cups however misplaced to Australia in 2015 after which England 4 years in the past.
“Being adaptable is probably one of the most important things for us as a group and trying to do that as quick as possible,” Latham advised reporters.
“Obviously with this format you play everyone once which is unique to 2015 where it was pool play.”
Latham, a wicketkeeper-batsman, added: “So yeah, again we’re in India, we’re offered different conditions that we’re used to. So, adaptability, sticking to our plan as best you can.”
‘Good luck All Blacks’
New Zealand’s earlier two matches have been in sizzling and humid Chennai however the motion now shifts to the winter capital of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
New Zealand have bowling depth and their seamers together with Trent Boult, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson shared six wickets within the final win over Afghanistan.
“I think there’s many factors that lead into a game. I don’t think it’s one specific area that you can nail down,” stated Latham.
“But as you said, India’s top order have been fantastic this tournament. And again, our bowling attack has done a really good job up front as well. So that’s going to be a great contest with bat and ball and obviously vice versa with Indian seamers in our top order.”
Latham confirmed speedster Tim Southee will likely be obtainable for the important thing match.
On Williamson, who’s nursing a fractured thumb, Latham stated, “fingers crossed he’ll be available for later on in the tournament”.
Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who performs for Indian Premier League facet Chennai Super Kings, leads the bowling chart within the event thus far with 11 wickets and Latham stated the staff will “lean” on his expertise.
Latham additionally wished the All Blacks good luck for the Rugby World Cup closing in Paris subsequent week after he stayed up late to observe their semi-final win over Argentina.
“Yeah, obviously I definitely stayed up for the All Blacks and watched them,” stated Latham.
“It was a great contest, obviously Kiwis support each other wherever that may be around the world and we’re certainly no different in supporting the All Blacks and obviously we’ve had so much support back home for us here and this World Cup as well.”
© 2023 AFP
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