The round-robin stage is over and four teams are set to battle out for the finals. Yes, ICC World Cup 2019 reaches into the second stage and India will face New Zealand in the first semifinal match on July 9 at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester. Both teams were bound to face each other at the group stage but the rain didn’t want to. Now, finally, they will battle for the finals.

Kiwis Stars who could be the Kryptonite for India

India and New Zealand didn’t face each other at the group stage due to washout. Finally, they will meet each other at the semifinal. India finished their campaign by becoming the champion of the group stage while NZ is a bit of lucky to get through due to better run-rate. Here, we want to discuss the top players of the Black Caps who could resist India to win the game.

  • Kane Williamson

The captain of New Zealand is the most reliable player for them. He is playing superb since the beginning of the tournament and remains consistent with his performance. Kane Williamson already scored two centuries along with the match-winning century(148) versus West Windies. He is also one of the top scorers of the tournament by scoring 481 runs in total. If he can set out another big score against India, NZ will find a plot to beat India in the semi-final.

Kane Williamson is the main hope for NZ
Kane Williamson is the main hope for NZ

  • Ross Taylor

Ross Taylor is the main hope for the middle order. If NZ’s top order fails somehow, the main responsibilities will fall into the shoulder of him. He did a perfect job against West Indies and he posted 281 runs in this tournament in total. But, the game against India will be completely different and he must step up this time.

Ross Taylor has to step up in this big match
Ross Taylor has to step up in this big match

  • Lockie Ferguson

Black Caps bowlers have been impressive in this tournament so far. They have to be at their best this time against the world’s best batting lineup. Things will be completely different now as they will face the most difficult challenge. Lockie Ferguson is the man they can count on. If he can keep his rhythm like previous games, Indian batting order could suffer.

If Lockie Ferguson keeps up his form, Indian batsmen will be in trouble.

The last phase of the group stage was very bad for New Zealand. They’re running out of time. All of their star players need to gather their equipment and focus on the match completely if they want to see them in the final.