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'India Should Fancy Their Chances': Harsha Bhogle Deems Men In Blue Favourites Vs NZ

image-lowoij3bIndia face off against New Zealand in Mumbai (Twitter)

Harsha Bhogle opined India stand as favourites to upstage New Zealand in the ICC World Cup 2023 semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday (November 15). 

The renowned commentator believes the much-vaunted Men in Blue "should fancy their chances" against the BlackCaps on familiar turf in the marquee knock-out clash. 

Rohit Sharma's men have been in devastating form in the competition and have enjoyed a remarkable 9-0 winning streak during the league stage. The pressure of a high-stakes semifinal, however, would pose a different challenge, especially against an opposition which has historically proven to be a thorn in their flesh.

New Zealand famously defeated India in the 2019 semifinal of the previous World Cup in Manchester and would be determined to repeat the ultimate heist on the global stage despite entering the battleground as massive also-rans. 

Harsha Bhogle Backs India For Wankhede Semifinal 

Speaking on the 'ICC Review' podcast, Bhogle cited tactical reasons to explain the rationale for identifying India as the team to back for victory at the Wankhede Stadium. 

The expert commentator, who has followed the game closely for the past 32 years, reckons India would believe they can disrupt the Kiwis by posting a huge total on the board and unleash their in-form bowling attack in the second half. 

"I wonder with a fair bit of cricket (at Wankhede Stadium) recently whether it will grip a bit and If it does then it is a big advantage for India," Bhogle said.

"Funnily, at the Wankhede, the toss has become a big factor because under the lights in the first 10 overs the ball is doing alarming things. Seventeen wickets have fallen in four games in the first 10 overs."

"The ideal recipe there would be to bat first, make 330 or 340 and try and pick up two or three wickets in the first Powerplay. India should fancy their chances," he added.