World Cup 2023: It could be an India-New Zealand final, predicts Aakash Chopra after Kiwis’ victory against Afghanistan

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has predicted that it could be an India vs New Zealand final in the ongoing World Cup. Both of these two teams are still unbeaten in the ongoing ODI showpiece. While New Zealand is at the top of the standings with four wins in as many matches, India is hot on the heels of the Kiwis with three wins in three games.

The Blackcaps continued their winning run in the ongoing tournament after they hammered Afghanistan by a gargantuan margin of 149 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Wednesday. New Zealand posted a par score of 288 runs on the board after half-centuries from Will Young, Tom Latham, and Glenn Phillips.

On the other hand, India won their previous match against arch-rivals Pakistan convincingly by seven wickets after Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma were the star performers.

Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “They are an amazing team and I feel it’s not a big deal that it could be an India-New Zealand final. They have won four out of four and the semi-final berth is almost confirmed. It is such a good team that it doesn’t make a difference to them whether Kane (Williamson) is there or not. They figure out a way to win.”

Meanwhile, Will Young and Daryl Mitchell were dismissed in quick succession and New Zealand were 110-4. However, Glenn Phillips and Tom Latham added 144 runs for the fifth-wicket alliance.

“Kane wasn’t there and there was a collapse in the middle, Azmatullah Omarzai dismissed two players in an over, but Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips came there. Will Young was there with Rachin Ravindra at the start. Conway also scored a few runs. Once you reach 280-plus, runs are not scored that easily here.”

On the other hand, Lockie Ferguson returned with impressive figures of 3-19 in the seven overs he bowled. The reputed commentator lauded Ferguson’s impressive spell for the Kiwis.

“In bowling, Trent Boult with the new ball and Matt Henry with his incoming delivery. Lockie Ferguson is actually breathing fire. The guy bowls amazingly well. He dismisses batters by scaring and threatening them.”

New Zealand will next take on India at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala on Sunday.