New Zealand’s strong reputation was emphasized by Sunil Gavaskar, who dispelled any impression that they would be minor underdogs in the ICC World Cup 2023. The cricketing icon emphasized the Black Caps’ good history versus Ind in World Cup matches, categorically describing them as a tough and competitive outfit, and disavowing any potential for banana-peel surprises.
Gavaskar vehemently denied the idea that there will be a banana-peel factor in India upcoming World Cup match against New Zealand on Sunday (October 22) in Dharamsala. He wisely advised cricket fans to exercise care, stating that such a label would only be appropriate if India were to lose to a team that was vastly inferior to them—a scenario that was thought impossible even on a bad day.
The game is not a banana-peel game. When you play a side that you are supposed to beat but who unexpectedly plays aggressively, the game is called a “banana-peel.” New Zealand is a formidable squad; it is not that. The 74-year-old said in an interview with India Today that New Zealand had appeared in the last two World Cup finals and had advanced to the semifinals eight times.
ODI World Cup Points Table for 2023
Sunil Gavaskar on how the Kiwis dominate India in the major competitions
Since their defeat in the Super Six of the 2003 World Cup in South Africa, New Zealand has had a good World Cup record versus the Men in Blue. In World Cup matches versus the Indian cricket team throughout the course of 12 editions, the Kiwis enjoy a significant 5-3 advantage, demonstrating their ongoing dominance in this illustrious competition.
Although they have yet to win the World Cup, New Zealand has a remarkable record that includes eight semifinal appearances and two runners-up finishes. The favorable conditions in Dharamshala for their approaching battle also strengthen their tactic. Gavaskar addressed the historical dominance of the Kiwis over India in significant competitions,
“I believe the reason is that whereas India occasionally experiences bad luck, New Zealand consistently raises their game at World Cups. Consider the 2019 semifinal, where India batted on the second day during a cloudy day. These, however, are the ifs and buts of the game that we discuss. It is obvious that New Zealand believes they can outperform India’s top-order hitters.
India
