India will play in the first semifinal of the 2023 World Cup when they take on New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on 15 November.
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Since the tournament began on 5 October, India have looked the most imperious unit in the tournament in all three departments; batting, bowling and fielding. When they played at the Wankhede Stadium in the group stage, they batted first and scored 357/8 before bowling Sri Lanka out for 55.
New Zealand did not play at this venue in the group stage. In fact, the Kiwis' last ODI at the venue was only in 2017. They did play a Test match at Wankhede against India in 2021, remembered best for Kiwi spinner Ajaz Patel's 10-wicket haul in the first innings.
Will Wankhede stadium favour New Zealand? Kiwis' record in Mumbai detailed
However, ahead of the match, former Kiwi fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan suggested that the conditions and pitch at Wankhede Stadium would favour New Zealand.
Of all the venues in India…
— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) November 12, 2023
Wankhede Stadium suits New Zealand the most #CWC2023 pic.twitter.com/sT1PW42iDz
Looking at the side's record at the ground is unlikely to provide too much insight into how they will fare. Across formats, New Zealand have played just six matches at the Wankhede; three Test matches in 1976, 1988 and 2021 and three ODIs (two in 2011 and one in 2017).
They lost two Tests against India (in 1976 and 2021) but won one (1988).
They defeated Canada by 91 runs before losing to Sri Lanka by 112 runs here in the 2011 World Cup, but defeated India by 6 wickets in 2017, chasing 284 with an over to spare thanks to Tom Latham's century and Ross Taylor's 95.
| Format | Matches | Won | Lost | Drew/Tie |
| Test | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| ODI | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
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At this World Cup, the venue has been sumptuous for batting first. South Africa scored 399 and 382 against England and Bangladesh to register 229 and 149-run wins, while India beat Sri Lanka by a massive 302 runs. Afghanistan reduced Australia to 91/7 in pursuit of 292 and only lost thanks to one of the greatest ODI innings ever from Glenn Maxwell.
What is in New Zealand's favour is that the pitch at Wankhede often enables prodigious movement under lights, which the Kiwi bowlers could be able to exploit. Also, on a good batting surface their batters will be able to challenge India.
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All in all, there are certain conditions under which New Zealand would be a bigger challenge to India than initially thought and it is true that Wankhede provides certain advantages to the Kiwis. However, thanks to their overall strength India are still favourites to win the game.
Who will win the 2023 World Cup?
India and Australia are now among the favourites for the 2023 World Cup title. The odds were as follows ahead of this match, and you can (selected regions).
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| India | 1.95 |
| Australia | 4.50 |
| South Africa | 5.50 |
| New Zealand | 7.50 |
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