India may be the outstanding team at the World Cup but coach Rahul Dravid has warned Wednesday’s semifinal against New Zealand in Mumbai represents the “pointy end in a tournament”.
Sunday’s 160-run defeat of the Netherlands left hosts India with a perfect played nine, won nine record — the first time any side had achieved such a feat at a World Cup featuring a round-robin format.
India are well-stocked in all departments, with star man Virat Kohli the tournament’s leading batsman with 594 runs and captain Rohit Sharma not far behind on 503.
The experienced duo have scored three hundreds between them, while the likes of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul both appear to be coming into form at the right time following their centuries against the Netherlands.
Meanwhile, India boast a formidable fast-bowling lineup in Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami.
If successful teams are fortunate as well as good, then India certainly had a lucky break when an injury to all-rounder Hardik Pandya paved the way for Shami’s return, with the experienced seamer having since taken 16 wickets in five matches at a stunningly low average of under 10.
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