India’s assistant coach Sanjay Bangar has stated that they are aware of what New Zealand is capable of. India will meet New Zealand in the first semifinal at Old Trafford, Manchester on 9th July after South Africa was able to stun Australia in the last league match by 10 runs. New Zealand hasn’t been in the best of forms as they have lost their last three matches.
However, it is the last mistake that any team can make to take the other team as lightly. India had recently played New Zealand in the bilateral series in New Zealand and the Indian team had won the five-match series by 4-1.
“It’s not too long ago that we played a series against them (New Zealand). We know what they are capable of, we know their strengths. We’ll be keeping an eye on that. We’ll just take it how it comes,” Bangar told reporters after the India-Sri Lanka match.
Meanwhile, India’s middle order has not delivered the goods. In fact, the middle order hasn’t got a lot of chance to bat in the World Cup. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul scored fine hundreds in the previous match against Sri Lanka. Thus, the middle order had a simple task of finishing the match.
“I do not think so because whoever has got to bat, hasn’t got to bat for too long. Apart from that, Hardik has done a role, Mahi has done a role. They all are in good form and such sort of scenarios have been happening quite regularly. As long as we spring good performances, we will be good,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has been in sublime form in the World Cup as he has scored 647 runs in the tournament. The right-hander is the leading run-getter of the tournament and Bangar gave credit to the Indian opener for delivering the goods.
“The secret behind his (Sharma) great progress in ODI format is that he understands his game really well. He follows his basics. All credit to him for maintaining the consistency. He’s also helping KL Rahul along the way, and from the team point of view, it is very important,” he added.
On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah has been right on the money with his yorkers. Bumrah has scalped 17 wickets in the eight matches as he has breathed down the neck of the opposition batsmen.
Meanwhile, India will take on New Zealand in the first semifinal on 9th July at Old Trafford, Manchester.
