2019 World Cup Semi Final Preview
India and New Zealand kick off the semi-final action on Tuesday night (all times AEST) in what promises to be an exciting contest.
India have hardly stepped a foot wrong all tournament, dropping just the one game to England to finish on top of the standings.
They have been led tremendously by Rohit Sharma, who hit a record-breaking fifth century of the tournament against Sri Lanka. Sharma has made the most runs in the World Cup at 647 and is the biggest weapon to his side at the moment.
If Virat Kohli gets going, look out. The skipper has made five 50s over the tournament to help stabilise the Indian middle order, but is yet to go on with a 100. It feels like Kohli has at least one big innings in him before the tournament is out.
Jasprit Bumrah has taken a team-high 17 wickets over the tournament, while Mohammed Shami has taken 14 himself.
They meet a New Zealand outfit that have been a tale of two halves over the tournament. The Kiwis were flying at the start of their campaign, winning their first five matches to sit on the top of the table. However, they have since dropped their last three to slide down to fourth, ultimately qualifying for the semis through run rate.
Kane Williamson has been in fine form but is relied upon too heavily as the rest of the top order haven’t batted well together. Williamson will need some help if they are any chance of knocking off India.
Trent Boult (15 wickets) and Lockie Ferguson (17 wickets) have been in good touch with the ball over the tournament and could cause the Indian batsmen some headaches.
India and New Zealand’s earlier meeting during the group stages was washed out.
Tip: India at $1.33.
Australia ($2.17) v England ($1.70)
Two of the game’s biggest rivals collide as Australia and England face off on Thursday for a spot in the final.
Australia has been the more consistent side over the tournament and probably deserved to finish on top of the standings if not for a hiccup against South Africa.
They boast two of the tournament’s top four run scorers in David Warner (638) and Aaron Finch (507). Warner and Steve Smith have been huge additions to this team and provide real punch in the top order.
Mitchell Starc has taken the most wickets (26) to equal Glenn McGrath’s record and looks likely of claiming consecutive player of the tournament awards.
The Aussies will have to do it without Usman Khawaja (hamstring) and Shaun Marsh (arm) but have found a serious player in Alex Carey, who is averaging 65.8 runs and provided real depth to the batting.
England has been below their best over the tournament but are starting to hit their straps and have all the ammunition to knock off the Aussies, coming off consecutive wins to India and New Zealand.
Their top order has been as good as any, led by Jason Roy (averaging 68.2 runs), Joe Root (62.5) and Ben Stokes (55). England have scored seven centuries from five men but could use a lift out of skipper Eoin Morgan.
Jofra Archer is having a fine tournament, taking 17 wickets, while Mark Wood and Chris Woakes have also delivered. Adil Rashid hasn’t been at his best.
The Aussies defeated England by 64 runs in the group stages. However, this clash will take place at Edgbaston, a venue the Aussies have not played at and where England have fired.
Tip: England at $1.70.
