Cricket

World Cup 2023: It could be a one-sided match if our seamers bowl under lights – S Sreesanth on IND vs NZ

Former Indian fast bowler S Sreesanth feels it could be a one-sided match if India bowls second in the first semifinal against New Zealand. India’s seamers have been right on the money in the Powerplay overs as they have got the ball to swing both ways.

India has taken 86 wickets in the nine matches and they have bowled out the opposition on seven out of the nine occasions. Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami have breathed down the neck of the opposition with their accurate line and length.

In the ongoing ODI showpiece, Shami has scalped 16 wickets in five matches at an impressive average of 9.56 and has an economy rate of 4.78. He is India’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament despite playing only five matches.

Furthermore, Jasprit Bumrah has bagged 17 wickets at an impressive average of 15.64 in nine matches of the tournament. Moreover, Mohammed Siraj has picked 12 wickets in nine games.

While speaking to Sportskeeda, S Sreesanth said, “I feel it could be a one-sided match if our seamers bowl under lights – if Shami, Siraj and Bumrah bowl well. I won’t be easy, but if they use the seam position with the new ball, it won’t be easy for them [New Zealand]. Just in case New Zealand bat first, India must bowl them out inside 300. On Mumbai wickets, such scores can be chased.”

“India should bat first if they win the toss. It depends on the wicket as well. If it’s a flat track then we should definitely bat first. When we won the World Cup in 1983, we bowled second. In 2011, when we won the World Cup at Wankhede, we batted second. It’s a bit tricky, but I feel we should win the toss and bat first and put up a big score on the board,” Sreesanth commented.

Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja have snared 14 and 16 wickets respectively in the ongoing ODI showpiece. The spin duo has done a fine job in the middle overs and Sreesanth reckons it will not be easy for New Zealand batters to tackle Indian spinners.

“It would be interesting to see if they prepare a patta (flat) wicket or a turner. Yes, New Zealand have a good spinner in [Mitchell] Santner, but we play spin well. New Zealand batters won’t find it easy to tackle our spinners Kuldeep [Yadav[ and [Ravindra] Jadeja on a turning track,” the former pacer opined.

The first semifinal will be played between India and New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai on Wednesday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Irfan Pathan opens up on India’s playing 11 changes for ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels the Indian fast bowlers would be tired ahead of… Read More

July 31, 2025

Dhruv Jurel’s childhood coach reveals Gautam Gambhir’s inspiring chat with wicket-keeper ahead of 5th ENG vs IND 2025 Test

With Dhruv Jurel all set to replace injured Rishabh Pant in the fifth Test match… Read More

July 31, 2025

Ravichandran Ashwin backs Ravindra Jadeja to bat at no.5 in 5th Test against England

Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin feels Ravindra Jadeja can bat at number five in the… Read More

July 30, 2025

Aakash Chopra lauds Shubman Gill’s century in ENG vs IND 2025 4th Test

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has showered praise on captain Shubman Gill for continuing… Read More

July 30, 2025

Shubman Gill rates Manchester hundred as most pleasing ahead of 5th Test against England

Former Indian captain Shubman Gill has rated the Old Trafford century as the most pleasing… Read More

July 29, 2025

Brad Haddin backs England to win final Test match against India in Anderson-Tendulkar series

Former Australian wicket-keeper bat Brad Haddin has backed England to win the fifth and final… Read More

July 29, 2025