IND vs NZ: Sreesanth gives Rohit Sharma and India tips to beat New Zealand in World Cup 2023 semi-final

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IND vs NZ: S Sreesanth has given tips to Rohit Sharma and India to win their all-important semi-final match against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday, November 12.

The former India pacer has said that if India does bowl second in the match, then it could turn out to be a one-sided affair. The former pacer also said that India must restrict New Zealand inside 300 runs if they bowl first.

“I feel it could be a one-sided match if our seamers bowl under lights - if Shami, Siraj and Bumrah bowl well. It won’t be easy, but if they use the seam position with the new ball, it won’t be easy for them [New Zealand]. Just in case New Zealand bat first, India must bowl them out inside 300. On Mumbai wickets, such scores can be chased.”

Sreesanth, who was part of India's 2007 and 2011 World Cup-winning team, also suggested that the Men in Blue should look to bat first if they win the toss, especially if a flat track is dished at Wankhede.

“India should bat first if they win the toss. It depends on the wicket as well. If it’s a flat track then we should definitely bat first. When we won the World Cup in 1983, we bowled second. In 2011, when we won the World Cup at Wankhede, we batted second. It’s a bit tricky, but I feel we should win the toss and bat first and put up a big score on the board,” said Sreesanth.

India finished the league stage as the only team to not lose any match. They would be looking to avenge their 2019 World Cup semi-final defeat against the Kane Williamson-led New Zealand side. India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the league stage.