Cricket fans are eager to see some thrilling action in the two semi-finals and one final of the prestigious event, but there are just three games left in the ODI World Cup 2023. On Wednesday, November 15, the first semi-final between India and New Zealand will take place at Mumbai’s renowned Wankhede Stadium. Notwithstanding Matt Henry’s absence from the tournament due to a ruptured right hamstring sustained during a league stage match against South Africa, Kiwi pacer Lockie Ferguson declared ahead of the crucial match that their bowling team is ‘handsome’. Along with endorsing veteran pacer Tim Southee, the 32-year-old remarked that the club will benefit from his experience playing in Indian conditions.
“Here, we appear well. Ferguson addressed the media prior to New Zealand’s training session at the Wankhede Stadium. “Matt Henry is obviously a big hole in our side and we’re still a handsome bunch without Matt Henry.”
“I will accept that, but Tim Southee offers a wealth of experience in the cricket world right now. Of course, leading the Test team and captaining the T20 and one-day teams adds a lot of experience. He’s also played a lot in India, which is fantastic. It’s unfortunate that Ferguson was upset about Matt Henry’s World Cup exit.
Reading the pitch carefully is important. Lockie Ferguson
According to Lockie Ferguson, accurate pitch reading is crucial because the majority of the 2023 ODI World Cup venues are high-scoring. Though it will all come down to execution on the day of the match, he implied that the Blackcaps had various strategies in place.
Many Indian stadiums have achieved high scores. That’s how one-day cricket is played in this region of the world. It’s important to gauge the pitch’s characteristics and what a good score is because huge overs, like a few runs here or there, might cost you later in the innings, Ferguson continued.
However, I can’t control it, and we have to play the game that day. We have plans for either way, whether it’s to bat or bowl first. Adhering to them is crucial. Of course, it’s enjoyable to bowl under the lights and to watch the ball move as it does to add excitement to the match. I’m excited about it, but we’ll have to play it as we see it on game day,” Ferguson said.
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