“If there’s a team India will be nervous facing in the World Cup semifinal, it is New Zealand”, says Ross Taylor ahead of much anticipated clash.

Former New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor, who played a crucial role in the team’s victory over India in the 2019 World Cup semifinal, reflected on the upcoming semifinal clash in Mumbai, drawing parallels to their previous encounter.

In the 2019 World Cup, the Men in Blue, led by Virat Kohli, finished at the top of the league phase and entered the semifinals as firm favorites to lift the trophy. However, a rain-interrupted game lasting two days saw New Zealand emerge victorious by 18 runs, securing a spot in the back-to-back World Cup finals.Speaking to the ICC, Ross Taylor pointed out the sense of ‘deja vu’ surrounding the upcoming semifinal, highlighting the similarities between the current situation and the 2019 clash.

Ross Taylor said “Four years ago, India went into the semi-final as the form side in the tournament, while we were more focused on ensuring our net run-rate would keep Pakistan out of reach for the final spot in the top four.This time around, India are even bigger favourites, at home and having played so well during the group stage. But when we have nothing to lose, New Zealand teams can be dangerous. If there is a team that India will be nervous facing, it will be this New Zealand side.”