Trent Boult, whose outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match award against Sri Lanka on Thursday, has contributed significantly to New Zealand securing a strong position for a semi-final berth at the 2023 World Cup. He is enthusiastic about the prospect of a rematch of the 2019 World Cup semi-final.
Following New Zealand's impressive victory over Sri Lanka in Bengaluru, there is now a clearer picture of the potential semi-final matchups at the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. While there are still mathematical possibilities for Pakistan or Afghanistan to surpass the Black Caps, the chances are rather slim.
It is highly likely that the tournament will see a repetition of the 2019 World Cup semi-final encounter, with India facing off against New Zealand at the Wankhede on November 15.
"I can't speak on what they're thinking but from our point of view to play World Cup in India and to come up against the host nation a team that's red hot playing good cricket at a great ground - you couldn't script it any better," Boult exclaimed at the post-match press conference.
"So excited if that happens, I feel like we've done all we can from our point of view and yeah, we'll just wait and see what happens."
As it stands, Pakistan have to win by 287 runs or win within three overs after bowling England out for 100 if they are to make the semi-finals over New Zealand. Afghanistan's chances are slimmer. This leaves New Zealand as the clear favourites to reach the semi-final, in which case they'd be facing India.
Earlier in the competition, when the teams met in Dharamsala, India won by four wickets chasing 274. New Zealand's total of 273 is the highest score by any team against India in this tournament. The conditions in Mumbai are expected to be more batting-friendly than in Dharamsala, but Boult isn't looking too far ahead.
"Hard to comment on what the conditions will be at Wankhede, but you know, history suggests it's a good wicket and, yeah, nice to have come up against them in Dharamshala.
"Totally different ground and different facilities, but, yeah, we'll turn our focus to that challenge. Very, very good players, but pressure does things to the best of players at any time. So just look forward to taking that on."
Speaking of India's proactive approach with the bat, Boult remarked that it opens up possibilities for the bowling side as well. However, he maintained that it would be immensely exciting to face the hosts in a semi-final.
"They're playing a positive style of cricket and yeah, I suppose playing shots does present chances - but yeah, we're going to be very clear with how we're going to tackle that game, if it happens, it still has to be ticked off.
"But, yeah, I think there'll be a lot of excitement and the prospect of that challenge and like I said it doesn't get any bigger than taking on India in front of 1.5 billion people."
- Trent Boult
