World Cup 2019 Semi Final 1, India vs New Zealand: Preview,Predicted Playing XI, Who will win the match

The business end of World Cup 2019 is here, and the stage is set for the first semi-final of this year's showpiece event. The frenzy seems to be on the rise India and New Zealand will be clashing swords at Old Trafford on 9 July, Tuesday.

While India finished the group stage as the table toppers and come as the favourites, New Zealand enter the fray on the back of three back-to-back losses and will be low on confidence. Here's what you can expect from this highly anticipated contest in Manchester.

Preview

After making a strong impression in the first phase of the tournament, New Zealand have fizzled out coming towards the latter end. Being battered by Pakistan, Australia and England in their last three encounters, the Blackcaps look low on confidence with the wheels coming off at the wrong time.

The batting has caused plenty of concerns for the team and its supporters. While Martin Guptill, Colin Munro and Henry Nicholls have all failed in the opening slots, the likes of Ross Taylor and Tom Latham haven't been able to prove their mettle in the middle order causing a heavy load on skipper Kane Williamson. Although JamesNeesham and Colin de Grandhomme have fared decently in the lower order, the team's batting fragility has been exposed way too many times for their liking.

The bowling has been shouldered by Trent Boult. The speed gun has been consistent for his team and has formed the spearhead of the attack. While speedster Lockie Ferguson impressed with a few outings, Matt Henry, Mitch Santner and Ish Sodhi haven't quite been able to possess the penetration power to trouble the batsmen.

The Kiwis will have to overcome several flaws and bring their A game to the fore if they're to stand a chance against strong opposition on Tuesday.

India, on the other hand, come as overwhelming favourites. With KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli scoring consistently, the batting is once again expected to be hinged on the top order. The bowling pack too, looks pretty solid with JaspritBumrah, Mohammed Shami and the spinners keeping the opposition's batsmen in check. However, the team will be wary of its middle-order conundrum and will be putting forth a professional display against New Zealand at Old Trafford.

Predicted XI

India: KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (C), Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni (WK), Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, JaspritBumrah

New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (WK), James Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult

Who will win the match?

New Zealand are likely to come out all guns blazing to make it to their second consecutive World Cup final. However, India come as a daunting side. Expect the Men in Blue to overcome the Kiwi challenge to stomp into the final.