8 Jul 2019

The Black Caps must beat India at the Cricket World Cup

From Not Your Average Cricket Show, 4:00 pm on 8 July 2019

Two games. Two wins. It's as simple as that, really.

Cricket fans cheer during the 2019 Cricket World Cup group stage match between England and New Zealand at the Riverside Ground, in Chester-le-Street, northeast England

Photo: AFP

After all the calculations and predictions of the round robin stage, the path to victory just got a lot simpler for the four remaining teams in the ICC Cricket World Cup.

They need to win and then win again. Net run rate, qualifying position, none of that matters any more.

Jonny Bairstow six during his century in the Cricket World Cup 2019 match between England and India at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Australia need to beat pre-tournament favourites England in one of two semi-finals this week and the outcome of that game is anyone's guess. But it's the first semi-final that Kiwi fans will be watching intently when the Black Caps take on India at Old Trafford on Tuesday. The teams were due to meet in the first round but a washout at Trent Bridge put paid to that.

Rohit Sharma bats during the Cricket World Cup 2019.

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

India have beaten every team they've played at this World Cup bar England, while the Black Caps bright start hit a rough patch with losses to Australia and England.

England are back on form after surprise losses to Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Australia are looking ominous despite losing to South Africa in a thriller over the weekend. 

Faf du Plessis bats during the Cricket World Cup 2019

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

White Ferns keeper/batter Katey Martin makes her debut on Not Your Average Cricket Show, joining regular UK correspondent Iain O'Brien and RNZ sports journalist Ravinder Hunia. Cricketer and firefighter Seth Rance is our Local Legend. Zoë George returns to co-host with Justin Gregory.