The last semifinal between India and New Zealand in a World Cup was in Manchester in 2019, and Lockie Ferguson still vividly recalls the event. It was an incredible game, not only because the Kiwis emerged victorious, but also due to the unique circumstance that led to it being played over two days. The Kiwi pacer still finds it hard to get over the significance of this memorable match.
“Over two days,” remembered Ferguson rather fondly. “I’ve never played a one-day game over two days, it was literally not even in the title. So, I think playing that game was pretty incredible and obviously very pleasing for us at the time.”
India, perhaps, had a very good chance of chasing down New Zealand’s modest total of 239 if the match had been completed on the same day. However, once it spilled into Day Two, the conditions favored the New Zealand pacers due to the wet weather and early morning moisture. The match took place on July 9 and 10 at Old Trafford, and India lost the game by 18 runs.
Four years on, there is a talk of revenge and it is being said that India will look to avenge that heart-breaking defeat. “Four years have gone past we’ve played a lot of cricket in between and both teams I’m sure are raring to go come Wednesday,” Ferguson said. “I guess (it’s) your job to write stories like that (about revenge). But from our point of view, I’m not sure I can comment on that. But at the same time, look, four years ago was a pretty spectacular game.”
Matt Henry was a significant factor in the 2019 semifinal. The pacer made vital breakthroughs when India began their chase on Day Two, claiming the wickets of Rohit Sharma and his opening partner KL Rahul in back-to-back overs. This time around, Henry won’t be present, because of an injury, but Ferguson says Tim Southee has filled the void left by Henry’s absence.
“Matt Henry is obviously a big hole in our side and we’re still a handsome bunch without Matt Henry,” Ferguson felt. “Obviously pretty disheartened with how Matt Henry exited the World Cup, which was such a shame. But now from a cricket point of view Tim Southee brings a lot of experience obviously being captain of the Test team, captain in T20s and one-dayers too, so I think that experience counts for a lot. He’s also played a lot in India, which is great too.”
On Wednesday, New Zealand will play their fifth consecutive 50-over World Cup semifinal. Ferguson attributed such level of consistency to the side’s level-headed characteristic. “When we start the competition, much like every other team, we’re here to win it, but of course we know there’s a process and I think certainly within our team we’ve played a lot of cricket together for a long period of time, so we sort of stick to our processes and I know it sounds cliche, but I think it keeps us sort of level-headed and naturally as Kiwis we tend to stay where our feet are, which I think is a positive.”
“It’s obviously a big pleasure to be part of the semifinals. I know the team is very excited to get underway in a couple of days and obviously to play at this ground – I’ve had a few games here and It’s a pretty spectacular crowd. So, from our point of view, we’ve been playing some great cricket. I’m looking forward to getting underway in a couple of days,” the pacer said.
