The ODI World Cup 2023 has already had fans on the edge of their seats with its thrilling performances and intense matches. As the tournament now reaches its midway point, it’s clear that some teams have shone brighter than others and could be the probable winners. Among all, the two teams that have dominated the first half of the tournament are New Zealand and India.
Both New Zealand and India have maintained an unbeaten record in the ICC even so far, with each of them securing four consecutive victories courtesy of brilliant performances across all departments.
A Clash of Titans
Interestingly, these two formidable sides will now be up against each other in a highly anticipated clash at Dharamsala on Sunday, October 22. With both teams unbeaten thus far, one of them will inevitably experience their first loss in the tournament, and fans are eager to see the electrifying battle unfold.
Ross Taylor’s surprise pick
In the midst of this much-anticipated showdown, New Zealand’s veteran batter Ross Taylor expressed his views on the favourites to win the ODI World Cup 2023. Taylor’s choice came as a surprise to many as he picked India over his home nation as the top contender to lift the championship title. He even went on to assert that the outcome of India’s match against the Blackcaps would not hamper India’s winning chances in any case.
“Getting off to a good start in the competition has been particularly crucial because New Zealand have a tough streak of games coming up, beginning with India on Sunday. India in their home conditions are a different beast, and they have started unsurprisingly strongly – I see them as favourites to win the competition at this stage, no matter what happens in Dharamshala tomorrow,” Taylor wrote in a column he penned for the ICC.
Also READ: Meet the wives and girlfriends of New Zealand cricketers
Taylor reminisces memories of 2019
Taylor also took a moment to reminisce about the last encounter between the two teams during the 2019 World Cup and mentioned a few iconic moments, such as Martin Guptill‘s run-out of MS Dhoni and the game extending over two days due to rain, ultimately culminating in New Zealand’s victory. The 39-year-old concluded with a hope of a similar outcome for Kiwis in Dharamsala as well.
“Four years ago, we played them in the semi-final in Manchester, and it was an iconic occasion. There was the Martin Guptill run out of MS Dhoni, the game going over two days because of the rain and ultimately, New Zealand coming out on top. Hopefully, there will be a similar result tomorrow – top of the table at the halfway stage would be a great place to be,” reminisced Taylor.
