The underrated dragon-slayers

However, they’re still not the favourites to slay this dragon, because this dragon has been ruthless, clinical in this World Cup, determined to end the ten-year ICC trophy drought once and for all, in a time when ICC events have had the highest frequency. It’s India vs New Zealand, ladies and gentlemen – and the monkey is on India’s back…

The ghosts of July 10, 2019

New Zealand have been a thorn in India’s flesh for a while now, in ICC events. Starting from a loss in the 2016 World T20 in Nagpur, New Zealand have beaten India in the 2019 World Cup semi-final, that lasted two days – in a game that ended up being MS Dhoni’s final international match. New Zealand have ALSO beaten India in the 2021 World Test Championship final. And some might not remember, but in the league stages of the 2021 T20 World Cup.

No one rated New Zealand as the favourites in those games. However, now, with an ICC title under their belt, and three final appearances in the last four ICC white-ball events, not to mention a top of the table spot in this World Cup in India – mind, you, without Kane Williamson, this is a Kiwi side that still consists of nice guys, but might pose the biggest threat to hurting India’s pride in home conditions. The world has taken notice of the Kiwis now. They’re no pushovers…

Live updates and highlights from the 21st match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, at Dharamsala between India and New Zealand