IND vs NZ, World Cup 2023 semi-final: How have India performed in knockouts

India are the only unbeaten team in World Cup 2023, having won nine out of nine group-stage matches to emerge as the table-toppers and secure the semi-final spot in the ongoing ICC tournament.

While India have navigated a relatively smooth path to the semi-finals of the 2023 ICC World Cup, triumphing in all nine of their group-stage matches, a formidable challenge awaits them in the knockout stage.

It’s time for the business end of the tournament as India are set to face New Zealand in the first semi-final, the team that proved to be their nemesis in the 2019 edition. The venue for this crucial encounter is Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium, the very same ground where MS Dhoni’s team etched their names into history by lifting the trophy 12 years ago. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the current captain, the Indian team is determined to seek redemption for their 2019 defeat against New Zealand.

If we take a look at India’s performances in the ICC World Cup knockout stages since 1983, the Men In Blue have been able to win only three of their last seven semi-final matches– the 1983 World Cup, 2003 World Cup, and 2011 World Cup.

India’s journey in ICC World Cup knockouts began in 1983 when the Kapil Dev-led side registered a historic win over the hosts England in the semi-final. India defeated England at Old Trafford in Manchester in 1983, thanks to Kapil Dev’s three-wicket haul and Yashpal Sharma’s important 61 in a successful pursuit of 214. India then stunned the two-time World Champions West Indies in the final and the image of Kapil Dev lifting the trophy is an enduring symbol of India’s cricketing prowess.

1987-1999: AGE OF MIXED FORTUNES

The subsequent World Cups in 1987, 1992, and 1996 showcased India’s mixed fortunes in knockout matches. While the team reached the semi-finals in 1987, England turned the tables at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, defeating India by 35 runs and depriving them of a place in the final. India failed to replicate their success in the 1992 edition and were knocked out in the round-robin stage.

The 1996 World Cup saw another semi-final appearance, but the dream of a second title was shattered by Sri Lanka. The 1996 semi-final in Kolkata vs Sri Lanka took an unexpected turn as crowd disruptions and animosity during India’s run chase resulted in Sri Lanka being proclaimed the victor. Chasing 252, India collapsed and were 120 for 8 when the umpires decided to call off the game. The late 1990s brought disappointment as India failed to progress beyond the Super Six stage in 1999, raising questions about the team’s consistency in high-pressure situations.

2003: INDIA FALL SHORT IN THE FINAL

The 2003 World Cup in South Africa saw India’s resurgence under Sourav Ganguly’s captaincy. India dominated Kenya in the semi-finals at Kingsmead in Durban in 2003, with Sourav Ganguly’s stunning century helping them to a 91-run victory to seal a place in the final. The team reached the final, setting up a showdown against the dominant Australian side led by Ricky Ponting. Despite a valiant effort, India fell short, and Australia secured their third consecutive World Cup title.

2007: INDIA’s NIGHTMARISH CAMPAIGN

The 2007 World Cup in the West Indies turned out to be a forgettable chapter in Indian cricket history. The team, led by Rahul Dravid, was expected to perform well, but they suffered a shocking early exit, failing to advance beyond the group stage. The loss to Bangladesh in the first match and subsequent defeats to Sri Lanka and Pakistan led to widespread criticism and prompted a reevaluation of India’s ODI strategy.

The 2011 World Cup brought a sense of déj vu as India, led by MS Dhoni, defeated Pakistan in the semi-final to reach the final at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. India set a challenging target of 260 runs in the 2011 World Cup semi-final, propelled by Gautam Gambhir’s impressive 97 and a crucial unbeaten 25 off 10 balls from captain MS Dhoni. Facing India’s spirited bowling attack, led by Sachin Tendulkar and S. Sreesanth, Pakistan fell short in their pursuit, and India secured victory by 29 runs, earning a spot in the final against Sri Lanka.

Facing Sri Lanka, India chased down the target with Dhoni sealing the victory with a six. This triumph marked India’s second World Cup win, and the team’s performance in the knockout stages showcased the perfect blend of experience and youth, with players like Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli making significant contributions.

2015: HEARTBREAK IN SYDNEY

The 2015 World Cup semi-final between India and Australia was a high-stakes encounter that took place at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Australia batted first and posted a challenging total of 328 runs, largely propelled by a stellar century from Steven Smith. In response, India faced a formidable Australian bowling attack led by Mitchell Johnson. Despite a valiant effort from Virat Kohli, who scored a century, India fell short of the target, finishing at 233 runs. Australia emerged victorious by 95 runs, securing a place in the final against New Zealand.

New Zealand, batting first, faced challenging conditions and posted a modest total of 239/8, owing to a gritty knock from Ross Taylor. In pursuit of the target, India’s top-order struggled against the disciplined New Zealand bowling attack, particularly the seamers. A valiant effort from Ravindra Jadeja, who scored a brilliant 77, and a fightback from MS Dhoni, who scored a resilient 50 off 72 balls, almost propelled India to victory. The turning point, however, came when Dhoni was run out after taking a hard hit from Martin Guptill. His dismissal at 216/8 effectively ended India’s fight, and they were eventually bowled out for 221, losing by 18 runs. Despite the loss, Dhoni’s courageous attempt was praised, reinforcing his status as one of the game’s best finishers.