The Indian team are set to lock horns with New Zealand in their upcoming fixture of the World Cup 2023 on Sunday at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. Both teams have not lost any of their games so far and will be looking to continue the same momentum. The conditions of Dharamsala have always assisted the fast bowlers and that makes the game even more interesting for both sides. Just ahead of the game, New Zealand’s premium speedster Trent Boult said that the Men in Blue will be under pressure even though they are aware of the conditions.
“They’re a powerful team, they cover all bases,” Boult was quoted as saying by Reuters.
“They’ve been playing some good cricket but it’s been a team that we’ve enjoyed playing,” he further added.
“Nothing changes from our point of view really. It’s about going out there and being positive and doing the things that work well. These guys are very familiar with the conditions but they feel pressure just as much as any other batsman or any other bowler,” Boult said.
“Playing against India in India, it doesn’t get much bigger than that,” Boult said. “But hopefully they’re for us,” he added.
The Blackcaps have registered victories against England, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan so far in the tournament. But the game against India will test their character as the Indian team will produce stern competition.
Talking about the Indian team, they suffered a huge blow when their star all-rounder Hardik Pandya sustained an ankle injury. He will miss out on playing the game against New Zealand.
“Team India vice-captain Hardik Pandya sustained an injury to his left ankle while fielding on his own bowling during India’s match against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. The all-rounder was taken for scans and is advised rest. He will be under the constant supervision of the BCCI Medical Team. He will not be taking the flight to Dharamsala with the team on 20th October and will now join the team directly in Lucknow where India play England,” according to a statement released by the BCCI.
