Updated November 13th, 2023 at 20:41 IST

It's a bit inauthentic: Dravid admits to Semi-Final 'pressure' ahead of match against New Zealand

India defeated Netherlands to maintain their unbeaten run in the World Cup and will now face New Zealand in the semifinal on November 15 in Mumbai.

Reported by: Anirban Sarkar
Team India will now face Netherlands in the next game | Image:BCCI/X
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Team India finished the World Cup group stage campaign on a high as they defeated the Netherlands by 160 runs. The Men in Blue have now secured nine wins in their first nine matches and the focus will now be shift6ed towards the World Cup semifinal. India will face New Zealand in the first semifinal on November 15.

3 things you need to know

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  • India have had a dominant run in the World Cup
  • The hosts have won all the nine matches so far
  • Men in Blue will now face New Zealand in the semis

Also Read: Former India opener lauds 'most trolled player' for rendering selfless service in World Cup 2023

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India to face New Zealand in the World Cup semifinals

It has also been an almost errorfree campaign for Rohit Sharma and Co who are now very close to repeat their 2011 heroics on the Indian soil. But memories of 2019 is still fresh where they also had a same kind of top of the table finish after the initial stage but went on to lose against New Zealand in the last four. Martin Guptill's accurate throw proved to be the last nail as MS Dhoni's run out ended India's chances in that match.

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The Kiwis again are standing between Indian aa place in the final and ahead of the match, Rahul Dravid admitted that the game will not just be another game and there will be pressure on them.

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Also Read: 'He is going to get an IPL contract': Former India opener names AFG player who could get IPL call-up

Rahul Dravid reveals the mindset ahead of the World cup semifinal

As quoted by Star Sports, “I think it would be inauthentic to say it's just another game (the semi-final). I think it's a bit inauthentic. Yes, of course, it's a semi-final. But I think our processes are not going to change. We do recognize that it's an important game; it's a knockout game. We have to accept the fact that there will be a certain amount of pressure.”

Hr further went on to add, “I think the way we have responded to pressure so far gives us a lot of belief and a lot of confidence. I don't think we will change anything in the way we prepare or the way we train. I am really confident; just the vibe in the group and the energy in the group are really good at this point in time. All we can do is play what is in front of us. Staying in the moment. Plan well, prepare well, and play a good game of cricket.”

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Published November 13th, 2023 at 20:41 IST