India vs New Zealand: Tom Latham anticipates thrilling clash in Dharamsala, agrees dew will impact the game

Cricket enthusiasts around the world are gearing up for a high-voltage encounter between New Zealand and India in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Sunday (October 22).

Both teams have remained unbeaten in the tournament so far, setting the stage for a thrilling battle. Ahead of the highly-anticipated contest, New Zealand captain, Tom Latham, shared his thoughts during the pre-match press conference, and the challenges the two teams pose each other.

New Zealand traditionally have an upper hand over India in the World Cups and when asked about how the team plans to continue this rhythm, the senior batter termed the opponents worthy rivals.

Tom Latham: "Yeah, obviously, India are a fantastic side. We've seen that over many years, especially at this World Cup as well. They're playing some fantastic cricket, which is great to see. On the back of that, I see two in-form teams that are playing some good cricket, so it's going to be a great contest tomorrow.

"Over recent years, we've had some great games of cricket, whether here in India or back home in New Zealand. So, I'm sure tomorrow the clash will be no different and I'm sure both sides are really looking forward to it."

He commended India as a fantastic team, acknowledging the quality of cricket they have consistently played over the years and even in the competition. Latham is confident that it will be a great contest and mentioned the anticipation surrounding the clash.

The conditions in Dharamsala have been the best for seamers up-front and in the last few games between India and New Zealand, the Indian top order has looked susceptible when the ball is moving.

Latham appreciated the various elements that influence a match's outcome. He underlined the importance of both teams performing well for the entire duration. He acknowledges the excellent form of India's top order and expects a fierce contest with the ball from New Zealand's side.

"Yeah, I think there are many factors that lead into a game. I don't think it's one specific area that you can nail down. It's obviously playing well for 50 overs in both innings - is really important. But as you said, India's top order have been fantastic this tournament.

"And again, our bowling attack has done a really good job up front as well. So that's going to be a great contest with bat and ball and obviously vice versa with Indian seamers in our top order," he added further.

When questioned about the playing conditions in Dharamsala, the pitch, and the outfield - which was even criticised by Jos Buttler - the New Zealand captain praised the wicket and added that the team is trying to assess the conditions.

"It looks like a reasonably good wicket. There's obviously been a couple of games here throughout the tournament, so I'm just trying to get as much information on those games as much as possible. (We are) trying to get a read on the surface and it's a new wicket so you know hopefully it allows for a good game of cricket."

"So yeah, whatever we've got, we've got to adapt as quick as we can and hopefully, we can do that as quick as possible," said Latham.

Asked if the dew factor in Dharamsala will play a role in the team's preparations and whether it will govern the team's decision after the toss, the left-handed batter added, "Yeah, I think dew is a massive factor here in Dharamsala."

"I think we turned up at 5 o'clock last night, and there was some dew starting to form. So yeah, for us, trying to work out what the best way is, for us moving forward into the game, whether it be a bat or ball first. So, we'll come up with that decision tomorrow - today and tomorrow. But yeah, I guess, yeah, obviously understanding that it's going to play a factor at some point and try to deal with it as best we can."

While it remains to be seen which team will emerge victorious in this encounter, one thing is certain: cricket fans are in for a treat as New Zealand and India, two in-form teams, battle it out for supremacy in this prestigious tournament.