World Cup 2023: New Zealand would be the one team that India wouldn’t want to play in semis, says Steve Harmison

Former England fast-bowler Steve Harmison said that New Zealand would be the one team that India wouldn’t want to play in the semi-finals of the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. India is all set to face the Netherlands in their last group-stage match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on November 12.

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Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Harmison said you can never write off a quality side like New Zealand, adding that they’ve got character. New Zealand has more-or-less cemented their spot in the semi-finals, having registered 10 points in their nine group-stage matches.

“A quality side like New Zealand, you can never write them off. Out of the three teams that are in the semi-finals with India, I’ve got a funny feeling that they are the one team that India wouldn’t want to play because they have character. They are all coming back to fitness,” said Harmison.

He went on to say that New Zealand are the one team that India would not want to play in the semi-finals. India became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals, having confirmed their spot at the top of the points table.

“I wouldn’t say they are all in prime form. But on the big stage, India and New Zealand have been here before. All the pressure is now on India. Indian cricketers are used to playing under pressure so I don’t think that will harm them too much. If India had one side they didn’t want to play in the semi-final, it would be New Zealand,” Harmison added.

India, Australia and South Africa have already booked their place in the World Cup semi-finals, while New Zealand, Pakistan and Afghanistan fight it out for the last spot in the semi-finals.

New Zealand took their tally to 10 points in nine matches, two more than Afghanistan and Pakistan who have a game in hand.