World Cup 2023: Tom Latham hails 'fantastic' India ahead of clash

New Zealand captain Tom Latham praised the Indian cricket team for playing “fantastic cricket” ahead of their meeting at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala. Both India and New Zealand are unbeaten thus far at the ODI World Cup.

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Both teams come into the fixture with four wins out of four played. Now, the meeting in Dharamsala and a win for either could virtually assure a semi-final berth in the extravaganza.

Statistically speaking, New Zealand hold an edge over India. They lead 5-3 in World Cup contests and knocked them out in the semi-finals of the last edition in 2019. Additionally, India have not been able to beat New Zealand at any ICC event - Test, ODI or T20I - since 2003.

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“I’m not sure to be honest,” Latham, who is leading New Zealand in the absence of injured Kane Williamson, said on his team’s record against India at the 50-over showpiece.

“They’re a fantastic team. They’ve been playing some great cricket for a long period of time. We’ve had some great contests in ICC events, but also in bilateral series, whether that be home or away.”

New Zealand suffered heartbreak in the last two World Cups. They lost in the finals to Australia in 2015 and England four years ago.

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“Being adaptable is probably one of the most important things for us as a group and trying to do that as quick as possible,” Latham told reporters.

“Obviously with this format you play everyone once which is unique to 2015 where it was pool play.”

Latham, a wicketkeeper-batsman, added: “So yeah, again we’re in India, we’re offered different conditions that we’re used to. So, adaptability, sticking to our plan as best you can.”

New Zealand come into Dharamsala after braving hot and humid conditions of Chennai. Their bowling depth and seamers including Trent Boult, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson shared six wickets in the last win over Afghanistan.

“I think there’s many factors that lead into a game. I don’t think it’s one specific area that you can nail down,” said Latham.

“But as you said, India’s top order have been fantastic this tournament. And again, our bowling attack has done a really good job up front as well. So that’s going to be a great contest with bat and ball and obviously vice versa with Indian seamers in our top order.”

Latham confirmed seamer Tim Southee will be available for the India match. On Williamson, who is nursing a fractured thumb that he picked up against Bangladesh, Latham said, “fingers crossed he’ll be available for later on in the tournament”.

Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who plays for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, leads the bowling chart in the tournament with 11 wickets and Latham said the team will “lean” on his experience.

For the New Zealand cricket team one eye will also be on the Rugby World Cup. Latham wished the All Blacks luck for the Rugby World Cup final next week after he stayed up late to watch their semi-final win over Argentina.

“Yeah, obviously I definitely stayed up for the All Blacks and watched them,” said Latham.

“It was a great contest, obviously Kiwis support each other wherever that may be around the world and we’re certainly no different in supporting the All Blacks and obviously we’ve had so much support back home for us here and this World Cup as well.”