'Already beaten them in this World Cup': Shastri wants India to forget past demons ahead of NZ clash

IND vs NZ: India and New Zealand are all set to lock horns against each other in the first semi-final of the ODI World Cup 2023. The highly-anticipated clash has been set up as a result of India finishing at the top of the points table with New Zealand taking the fourth spot. The match is scheduled to take place on November 15. Australia and South Africa will play each other in the second semi-final at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 16.  

3 things you need to know

• India are the only team that is undefeated in the ODI World Cup 2023 thus far
• In the league stage game against New Zealand, India emerged victorious
• Ravi Shastri wants India to forget past demons and focus on the upcoming match 

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Ravi Shastri's advice for India ahead of ODI World Cup semi-final clash

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri dismissed concerns about India's previous semi-final loss against New Zealand in the 2019 ODI World Cup, describing it as "water under the bridge." As India prepares to face New Zealand once again in the semi-final of the 2023 ODI World Cup at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, Ravi Shastri expressed confidence that India would dominate Kane Williamson's side this time. 

"It's water under the bridge. Why does India have to look back on that loss? We've already beaten them in this World Cup. Do hell with that," Ravi Shastri said on Star Sports.

Historically, India has faced challenging encounters against New Zealand, with the Kiwis often dominating despite India being considered the superior team. Apart from the semi-final defeat in the 2019 ODI World Cup, India also lost the final of the World Test Championship against New Zealand in 2021. 

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However, this ODI World Cup has been a different story with India winning their league-stage match over New Zealand in Dharamsala on October 22. Mohammed Shami earned the player of the match award for his impressive 5/54 in 10 overs. Shami, initially called up due to Hardik Pandya's injury, has since become a vital part of the Indian lineup, emerging as the team's most lethal bowler in the ongoing tournament.

In that match, Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra showcased their batting prowess for New Zealand, scoring 130 and 75, respectively. Former India captain Virat Kohli played a crucial role for his team, anchoring the innings with 95 off 104 balls, while Ravindra Jadeja contributed 39 off 44 to guide the side to victory.