IND Vs NZ: Mohammad Ashraful Backs Virat Kohli To Score His 50th ODI Century But Feels India Will Lose The Match

Former Bangladesh skipper Mohammad Ashraful has backed India’s modern-day batting legend Virat Kohli to achieve an iconic milestone by getting to his 50th ODI century in the ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final against New Zealand. India will be facing the Kiwis in the semi-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Wednesday at the historic Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.

Virat Kohli’s consistency and his brilliant performance throughout the 2023 World Cup, have often steered the Men in Blue out of challenging situations and led them to victory. Kohli recently equalled Sachin Tendulkar’s world record of 49 ODI centuries, leaving him on the verge of surpassing the ‘GOD’.

Mohammad Ashraful praised Virat Kohli’s performances and has shown faith in Kohli’s ability. He believes that after missing a century against the Kiwis by just five runs in the league stage match, the Indian batting maestro might get to the awaited milestone in the semi-final clash. “Virat missed out on two centuries; everyone in the team is in good form. In every game, Rohit is giving a firing start, and Iyer and Rahul are in good form. So, I think we may see Virat’s 50th hundred,” Ashraful told ANI.

Mohammad Ashraful Backs New Zealand To Win The Semi-Final

Mohammad Ashraful backs New Zealand to defeat India even after predicting Virat Kohli’s century. New Zealand was able to emerge victorious against India in the semi-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. India will be looking to avenge the defeat that they suffered against the Kiwis.

“I feel that New Zealand can beat India, so it won’t be easy. India is playing good cricket, and we are hoping that we will see good cricket,” Ashraful added. India will be the favourites to win the match in front of the home crowd but the Kiwis won’t be an easy target and the previous record between these two in ICC events heavily inclines towards the Blackcaps.

The Men In Blue have always struggled against the Blackcaps in ICC events. The win they got in the league stage was the first one since 2003 in ICC events which shows India’s struggle against New Zealand in ICC tournaments. India lost the semi-finals in the 2019 World Cup against New Zealand which was a low-scoring thriller where New Zealand was successful in defending a meagre total of 239.