As we gear up for the first semi-final of the ICC World Cup 2019, the toss will play a major role in India vs New Zealand clash at Old Trafford given Kohli’s inconsistent luck
A combination of sluggish pitches and the expectations of delivering under pressure mean the teams batting first have won 27 of the 41 completed matches — four have been called off due to rain — in World Cup 2019. That’s a statistic Virat Kohli will keep in mind when India takes on New Zealand in the semifinals of World Cup 2019 at the Old Trafford in Manchester.
Despite a poor run of form of late, New Zealand is expected to be a tricky opponent for India. The two teams have met seven times in the World Cup and the Kiwis lead 4-3.
In the ongoing World Cup, Manchester has hosted five matches, including the high-voltage India-Pakistan encounter. All five matches won by the team batting first.
Winning the toss might turn out crucial to India’s fortunes given Virat Kohli’s luck.
Kohli has often considered himself unlucky when it comes to winning a toss. In his 76 matches as captain, Kohli has lost the toss on 41 occasions.
Virat Kohli’s toss stats as skipper in ODI’s
The World Meteorological Organization has said 2019 is on track to be among the world’s hottest years, and that 2015-2019 would then be the hottest five-year period on record.
However, there is rain forecast in Manchester in the lead up to the semifinal. So, the conditions too will play a key role in decision making.
