India will play New Zealand in first semi-final match of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 on July 9 (Tuesday) at Old Trafford Cricket Ground. Yes, it is time for the semi-finals in the ICC World Cup 2019 as India and New Zealand get ready to battle it out in Manchester. Rain threatens to play spoilsport in this massive encounter while it is certain to be cloudy throughout. These factors have somewhat even things out as the Black Caps bowling line-up now becomes quite lethal. India, who finished top of the points table have excelled in all three departments. Although there remains a question mark over their middle order, the side will be difficult to beat. If we look at the head to head record between India and New Zealand, they have played 106 games with New Zealand winning 45, India 55, 1 tie and 5 game produced no results. A look back at their last five games. Ahead of India vs New Zealand World Cup 2019 Semi-Final 1 Match, Here’s a Look at Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson's Teams' Win-Loss Record During Group Stage.

India vs New Zealand – 13th June 2019 - Trent Bridge, Nottingham – Match Abandoned

Extremely heavy rain played spoilsport as the game had to be abandoned without a bowl being bowled. Both teams were allotted a point each as the fans went home disappointed. India vs New Zealand Cricket Score Semi-Final 1 Match. 

New Zealand vs India – 3rd February 2019 – Westpac Stadium, Wellington – India won by 35 runs

A patient 90 from middle-order batsman Ambati Rayudu helped India put on 252 on the board after a losing three quick wickets at the top. Rayudu was supported well by Vijay Shankar and Hardik Pandya who chipped in with 45 each. In reply, New Zealand fumbled in their chase with none of the batsman playing an anchor role. Yuzvendra Chahal picked up three wickets to help India beat New Zealand by 35 runs.

New Zealand vs India – 31st January 2019 – Seddon Park, Hamilton – New Zealand won by 8 wickets

One of the worst batting efforts from India in recent past as they were bowled out for just 92 in 30.5 overs with only 4 batsmen managing double figures. Trent Boult did the maximum damage for the hosts picking up 5 Indian wickets. New Zealand then went on to chase the 93 needed with 8 wickets in the shade.

New Zealand vs India – 28th January 2019 – Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui – India won by 7 wickets

Ross Taylor and Tom Latham stuck a gritty partnership for the Kiwis in the middle overs which resulted in them getting to a total of 243. At one stage when the duo were batting it looked like the home team would cross 300 but a flurry of wickets towards the end did not let them do so. India riding on half-centuries from Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli won the game by 7 wickets.

New Zealand vs India – 26th January 2019 - Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui – India won by 90 runs

Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan’s opening stand of 154 paved the way for the visitors getting to 324/4 batting first. Kuldeep Chahal then starred for India with the bowl picking up 4 wickets to bowl out the home side for 234. India thus managed a comprehensive 90 run victory.

India vs New Zealand, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Semi-Final Video Preview

Fans will be hoping the rain stays away from the game to ensure proper 100 overs of cricket. The two sides have the potential to set up a massive spectacle in the semis.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 09, 2019 11:26 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).