ICC World Cup 2023: In a riveting encounter on Thursday, New Zealand triumphed over Sri Lanka by 5 wickets, edging closer to a coveted spot in the ICC World Cup 2023 semi-finals. The Kiwis’ resounding win also dealt a blow to Pakistan’s aspirations, virtually eliminating them from the top 4 race. As the semi-final clash between India and New Zealand looms, social media is abuzz with amusing memes, invoking memories of the 2019 World Cup clash between the two cricketing powerhouses.
The Kiwis’ Domination:
New Zealand’s decisive victory over Sri Lanka not only solidifies their semi-final standing but also narrows down the possibilities for Pakistan. The Babar Azam-led side now faces the daunting task of securing an implausible victory against England to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
The prospect of an India-New Zealand semi-final rekindles memories of the 2019 World Cup heartbreak for Indian fans. The echo of Martin Guptill’s precision throw to run out MS Dhoni, India’s last hope in that match, still resonates. The 18-run loss to New Zealand in the 2019 semi-finals set the stage for an intense final against England.
Parallel to the 2019 World Cup:
The current World Cup scenario draws striking parallels to the 2019 edition, where India secured the top spot after the league matches, and New Zealand clinched the fourth position. Just like then, Australia and England found themselves ranked third and fourth, setting the stage for a compelling semi-final clash.
Formidable India, Resilient New Zealand:
While India has displayed stellar performance throughout the 2023 World Cup, New Zealand faced a bumpy road with four consecutive defeats before their crucial win against Sri Lanka. However, in the semi-finals, past form takes a backseat, and both teams will vie for supremacy on the high-scoring pitch of Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
Ticket Frenzy and Website Woes:
Anticipation for the semi-finals reached a fever pitch as ticket sales went live on Thursday at 8:00 PM. The demand was so intense that the ticketing website experienced a crash, leaving eager fans with up to a 90-minute waiting time. The swift sell-out underscores the immense excitement surrounding this high-stakes clash.
As New Zealand sets the stage for a faceoff with India in the ICC World Cup semi-finals, cricket enthusiasts brace themselves for a nail-biting encounter reminiscent of the 2019 drama. The clash at Wankhede Stadium promises a high-octane spectacle, with both teams eyeing a spot in the grand finale. The cricketing world awaits with bated breath for the unfolding drama on November 15th.
