Handball governed by the International Handball Federation (IHF) is gaining popularity across continents and here it is with another tournament. Yes, it is the Men's Handball World Championship 2021. The tournament will be held in Egypt from January 13, 2021, to January 31, 2021. Before the event, here is the schedule of matches of the World Handball Championship for Men 2021, matches, groups, and ranked teams.World Men’s Handball Championship 20212021 Men’s Handball ChampionshipDetailsDate13th January 2021- 31st January 2021HostEgyptTeams32Venues5 venues across 5 citiesThe IHF 2021 World Handball Championship will be the 27th event organized by the International Handball Federation to be held in Egypt from January 13 to 31, 2021.It will be the first handball tournament that includes 32 teams instead of 24. This will be the third tournament organized in Africa, the second in Egypt and the first outside Europe since 2015. Denmark is the title holder.FormatThe 32 teams from the 2021 World Handball Championship for Men will be divided into 8 groups and the top three teams from each group will qualify for the following rounds. Then the remaining 24 teams will be divided into 4 groups of 6 teams each, and the two best teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals.Qualified TeamsCompetitionQualified TeamsHostEgypt2019 World ChampionshipDenmark2019 European ChampionshipCroatia Norway Spain2020 African ChampionshipAlgeria Angola Cape Verde DR Congo Morocco Tunisia2020 Asian ChampionshipBahrain Japan Qatar South Korea2020 South and Central American ChampionshipArgentina Brazil Uruguay2020 Nor.Ca.Championship (Cancelled)United States2020 South and Central American Last Chance Qualification Tournament (cancelled)ChileEuropean qualificationAustria Belarus Czech Republic France Germany Hungary Iceland Portugal Slovenia SwedenWild CardPoland RussiaWorld Men’s Handball Championship 2021 Schedule & GroupsGroup AGermanyHungaryUruguayCape Verde DateMatchTime (Egypt Time)Venue15th January 2021Germany vs Uruguay7 pm6th of October Sports Hall, 6th of October City15th January 2021Hungary vs Cape Verde9: 30 pm6th of October Sports Hall, 6th of October City17th January 2021Cape Verde vs Germany7 pm6th of October Sports Hall, 6th of October City17th January 2021Hungary vs Uruguay9: 30 pm6th of October Sports Hall, 6th of October City19th January 2021Uruguay vs Cape Verde7 pm6th of October Sports Hall, 6th of October City19th January 2021Germany vs Hungary9: 30 pm6th of October Sports Hall, 6th of October City Group BSpainTunisiaBrazilPoland DateMatchTime (Egypt)Venue15th January 2021Spain vs Brazil7 pmNew Capital Sports Hall, New Administrative Capital15th January 2021Tunisia vs Poland9:30 pmNew Capital Sports Hall, New Administrative Capital17th January 2021Tunisia vs Brazil7 pmNew Capital Sports Hall, New Administrative Capital17th January 2021Poland vs Spain9:30 pmNew Capital Sports Hall, New Administrative Capital19th January 2021Spain vs Tunisia7 pmNew Capital Sports Hall, New Administrative Capital19th January 2021Brazil vs Poland9:30 pmNew Capital Sports Hall, New Administrative Capital Group CCroatiaQatarJapanAngola DateMatchTime (Egypt)Venue15th January 2021Qatar vs Angola4:30 pmBorg El Arab Sports Hall, Borg El Arab15th January 2021Croatia vs Japan7 pmBorg El Arab Sports Hall, Borg El Arab17th January 2021Qatar vs Japan4:30 pmBorg El Arab Sports Hall, Borg El Arab17th January 2021Angola vs Croatia7 pmBorg El Arab Sports Hall, Borg El Arab19th January 2021Japan vs Angola4:30 pmBorg El Arab Sports Hall, Borg El Arab19th January 2021Croatia vs Qatar7 pmBorg El Arab Sports Hall, Borg El Arab Group DDenmarkArgentinaBahrainDR Congo DateMatchTime (Egypt Time)Venue15th January 2021Argentina vs DR Congo7 pmCairo Stadium Indoor Halls Complex, Cairo15th January 2021Denmark vs Bahrain9: 30 pmCairo Stadium Indoor Halls Complex, Cairo17th January 2021Argentina vs Bahrain7 pmCairo Stadium Indoor Halls Complex, Cairo17th January 2021DR Congo vs Denmark9: 30 pmCairo Stadium Indoor Halls Complex, Cairo19th January 2021Bahrain vs DR Congo7 pmCairo Stadium Indoor Halls Complex, Cairo19th January 2021Denmark vs Argentina9: 30 pmCairo Stadium Indoor Halls Complex, Cairo Group ENorwayAustriaFranceUnited States DateMatchTime (Egypt Time)Venue14th January 2021Austria vs United States7 pm6th of October Sports Hall, 6th of October City14th January 2021Norway vs France9: 30 pm6th of October Sports Hall, 6th of October City16th January 2021Austria vs France7 pm6th of October Sports Hall, 6th of October City16th January 2021United States vs Norway9: 30 pm6th of October Sports Hall, 6th of October City18th January 2021France vs United States7 pm6th of October Sports Hall, 6th of October City18th January 2021Norway vs Austria9: 30 pm6th of October Sports Hall, 6th of October City Group FPortugalAlgeriaIcelandMorocco DateMatchTime (Egypt)Venue14th January 2021Algeria vs Morocco7 pmNew Capital Sports Hall, New Administrative Capital14th January 2021Portugal vs Iceland9:30 pmNew Capital Sports Hall, New Administrative Capital16th January 2021Morocco vs Portugal7 pmNew Capital Sports Hall, New Administrative Capital16th January 2021Algeria vs Iceland9:30 pmNew Capital Sports Hall, New Administrative Capital18th January 2021Portugal vs Algeria7 pmNew Capital Sports Hall, New Administrative Capital18th January 2021Iceland vs Morocco9:30 pmNew Capital Sports Hall, New Administrative Capital Group GSwedenEgyptCzech RepublicChile DateMatchTime (Egypt Time)Venue13th January 2021Egypt vs Chile7 pmCairo Stadium Indoor Halls Complex, Cairo14th January 2021Sweden vs Czech Republic9: 30 pmCairo Stadium Indoor Halls Complex, Cairo16th January 2021Egypt vs Czech Republic7 pmCairo Stadium Indoor Halls Complex, Cairo16th January 2021Chile vs Sweden9: 30 pmCairo Stadium Indoor Halls Complex, Cairo18th January 2021Cxech Republic vs Chile7 pmCairo Stadium Indoor Halls Complex, Cairo18th January 2021Sweden vs Egypt9: 30 pmCairo Stadium Indoor Halls Complex, Cairo Group HSloveniaBelarusSouth KoreaRussia DateMatchTime (Egypt)Venue14th January 2021Belarus vs Russia4:30 pmBorg El Arab Sports Hall, Borg El Arab14th January 2021Slovenia vs South Korea7 pmBorg El Arab Sports Hall, Borg El Arab16th January 2021Belarus vs South Korea4:30 pmBorg El Arab Sports Hall, Borg El Arab16th January 2021Russia vs Slovenia7 pmBorg El Arab Sports Hall, Borg El Arab18th January 2021South Korea vs Russia4:30 pmBorg El Arab Sports Hall, Borg El Arab18th January 2021Slovenia vs Belarus7 pmBorg El Arab Sports Hall, Borg El ArabNote: World Men’s Handball Championship 2021 Schedule, Fixtures and Timings are subject to change as per the International Handball Federation.Also Read: International Hockey Federation unveils new match-based world ranking system for 2020
Hardik Pandya, the talented Indian cricketer, has not only made a name for himself with his exceptional skills on the field, but has also accumulated significant wealth. The Baroda all-rounder is seen as the future India white-ball captain and continues to lead the T20I side in the absence of Rohit Sharma.As the star all-rounder grows in his career, let's delve into Hardik Pandya's net worth and explore how much he earns both from cricket and various brand endorsements.Hardik Pandya Cricket Contracts and Match FeesAs an integral part of the Indian national cricket team, Pandya receives a substantial income through his central contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He falls under the A category, which guarantees him an annual retainer fee of INR 5 crore (approximately USD 700,000). Additionally, he earns match fees for every game he plays for India.Hardik Pandya IPL Earnings Apart from representing his country at the international level, Hardik is also a key player in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He played for Mumbai Indians from 2015 until 2022, when he signed up for Gujarat Titans to lead them to the title. His performances have earned him lucrative contracts over the years. In IPL auctions, franchises have shown great interest in acquiring his services due to his explosive batting and effective bowling skills. Ahead of the IPL 2022 Mega Auction, Pandya was drafted in by Gujarat Titans, a franchise that made its debut in the league that year, for a whopping Rs 15 Crore. According to Forbes, Hardik rakes in a substantial sum of Rs 24.87 crore in income annually. However, when it comes to his Instagram earnings, he brings home a whopping Rs 65,94,622.80 for each post, according to data shared by Mansworld India.Hardik Pandya Net Worth in Rupees The Baroda cricketer - who made his international debut in 2016 - has been a vital member of India's limited-overs side. By the end of the IPL 2023 season, in which he led Gujarat Titans to the final, Hardik had reportedly accumulated a net worth of Rs 91 crore ($11 million approximately).Hardik Pandya Brand Endorsements Hardik's popularity extends beyond just cricket grounds. With his charismatic personality and stylish image, he has become a sought-after brand ambassador. Several renowned companies have roped him in to endorse their products or services. Some prominent brands associated with him include Dream11, BoAt, and many more. These endorsements contribute significantly to his net worth.Investments and Assets of Hardik Pandya Like many other successful athletes, Hardik has made wise investment decisions to grow his wealth. He owns multiple properties in India, including a lavish house in his hometown Vadodara. Moreover, he possesses a collection of luxury cars that add to his overall assets.Hardik Pandya's Personal Life and Philanthropy Hardik's personal life also plays a role in shaping his net worth. He has been known for leading an extravagant lifestyle and often shares glimpses of it on social media platforms like Instagram. The cricketer also earns a good amount of money via paid promotions on social media. He commands 26.7 million followers on the image and video-sharing application Instagram and enjoys a massive 9.5 million followers on micro-blogging site X, formerly known as Twitter. Additionally, he actively participates in various charitable causes and donations. Hardik has accumulated substantial wealth through cricket contracts, match fees, IPL earnings, brand endorsements, investments, and assets. With each passing year and remarkable performance on the field, his net worth continues to soar higher. Alongside being an exceptional cricketer representing India globally, he has become a prominent figure in the world of sports business as well.FAQsQ. Who is Hardik Pandya? Hardik Pandya is a talented Indian cricketer.Q. How did Hardik Pandya accumulate significant wealth? Hardik Pandya accumulated significant wealth through his career in cricket and various brand endorsements.Q. What is Hardik Pandya's net worth? The exact net worth of Hardik Pandya is not mentioned in the article.Q. How much does Hardik Pandya earn from cricket and brand endorsements? The article explores how much he earns both from cricket and various brand endorsements.
Brendon McCullum, Adam Gilchrist and Ben Stokes are the only three batters to smash 100 or more sixes in Test cricket.England all-rounder and Test captain Ben Stokes has hit the most sixes in Tests. He recently overtook Brendon McCullum to take top spot for most sixes in Tests.Stokes, who is captaining England in Tests, is likely to extend his lead for sixes in Test cricket with a lot of red-ball cricket ahead of him.Stokes, in fact, went past McCullum's record with the New Zealander as the coach of the English Test team. England's aggressive style of Test cricket means that Stoke is likely to finish his career with a sizeable lead as far as sixes in Tests go.Meanwhile, after making his Test debut against South Africa in 2004, Brendon McCullum smashed 107 sixes in the 101 Tests that he played. Considered to be one of the most destructive batters in modern cricket history, the former New Zealand captain amassed 6,453 runs in 101 matches at an average of 38.64. His strike rate in Tests was a healthy 64.6.Interestingly, McCullum holds the record for the fastest Test century, having reached the milestone off just 54 balls against arch-rivals Australia in Christchurch in 2016. He was eventually dismissed for 145 off just 79 balls, which included 21 fours and six sixes. McCullum features fourth on the list of most sixes in international cricket, having smashed 398 sixes in 474 matches. Only West Indies’ Chris Gayle (553), Shahid Afridi of Pakistan (476) and India’s Rohit Sharma (464) have hit more sixes in international cricket.Former Australian wicket-keeper batter Adam Gilchrist has also hit 100 sixes in Tests. While Gilchrist clobbered 100 sixes in 96 Tests, Stokes has smashed the same number of sixes in just 82 Tests.Chris Gayle and former South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis complete the top five list of most sixes in Tests. Gayle hit 98 sixes in the 103 Test matches that he played while Kallis smashed 97 sixes in 166 Tests.Virender Sehwag has hit the most sixes in Test match cricket for an Indian. The former opening batter hit 91 sixes in 104 Tests and features sixth on the list of most sixes in Tests. Sehwag managed 243 sixes in 374 matches in international cricket.Meanwhile, MS Dhoni features second on the list of most sixes by Indians in Tests. The former India captain smashed 78 sixes in the 90 Tests that he played between 2005 and 2014.Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar is third on the list of most sixes by Indians in Tests. Having made his Test debut against Pakistan in 1989, Tendulkar hit 69 sixes in 200 Tests. The India cricket legend ended his illustrious career with 264 sixes in 664 matches.Rohit Sharma and Kapil Dev complete the top five list of most sixes by Indians in Tests. While Rohit has smashed 66 sixes in just 46 Test matches, Kapil Dev hit 61 sixes in 131 Tests. Most sixes in TestsPlayerMatchesRunsAverage SR6sBen Stokes (ENG)92571235.9258.83109Brendon McCullum (NZ)101645338.6464.60107Adam Gilchrist (AUS)96557047.6081.95100Chris Gayle (WI)103721442.1860.2698Jacques Kallis (SA)1661328955.3745.9797Virender Sehwag (IND)104858649.3482.2391Most sixes by Indians in TestsPlayerMatchesRunsAverage SR6sVirender Sehwag 104858649.3482.2391MS Dhoni90487638.0959.1178Sachin Tendulkar2001592153.7854.0469Rohit Sharma47332046.7656.0268Kapil Dev131524831.0579.3361Also Read: Rohit Sharma can be relieved as captain from T20s
Huge sixes in cricket have always thrilled fans and remained a topic of conversation for years to come. While some former cricketers and pundits argue that these colossal hits should receive extra recognition, the precision and reliability of technology, which is regularly scrutinized when measuring such distances, have not supported these claims. Nevertheless, it's always a delight to recall some of the most unforgettable moments in the game. So, let's revisit the longest sixes ever hit in the history of international cricket.1. Shahid Afridi || 153 meters vs. South AfricaMost people consider Afridi to be one of the most dangerous players in cricket. Afridi was an all-round player with a reputation for hard hitting and leg-spin bowling. With 37 deliveries, Afridi also held the world record for the fastest ODI century. The record, held for 17 years, was broken by Corey Anderson. It should come as no surprise that Shahid Afridi is the owner of the record for the longest six hits in international cricket as his name is frequently at the top of lists such to this one. This six that he hammered off Ryan McLaren is one of the most talked-about sixes in cricket history, given the distance it covered.2. Brett Lee || 130 meters vs. EnglandBrett Lee was a key member of the Australian squad that clinched the 2003 World Cup. His Test debut took place in 1999, and he bid farewell to international cricket on July 12, 2012. Lee's Test career came to a close with an impressive tally of 310 wickets, and he secured 380 wickets in One Day Internationals. From 2000 to 2009, only Muttiah Muralitharan outshone Lee in terms of ODI wickets, establishing him as one of the premier bowlers of his era. Among the numerous entries in the list of longest sixes, one that stands out is Brett Lee's monumental hit against West Indies, a shot that originated from an improbable source. In that particular game at the Gabba, Brett Lee contributed 47 runs for the home team, but it's his single six in that innings that remains etched in memory.One remarkable instance was the 2005 Ashes Test at Edgbaston, where Lee nearly steered Australia to a remarkable comeback in a gripping and thrilling match. Despite his aggressive demeanor on the field, Lee rarely allowed his emotions to overcome him. He relished competing against opponents and displayed sportsmanship, even in defeat, often sporting his signature smile. Lee was not only a formidable opponent but also a gentleman off the field, fostering good relationships with players from rival teams. He was one of the few Australian cricketers who was widely admired in India.3. Martin Guptill || 127 meters vs South AfricaGuptill is the first New Zealand cricketer and the sixth overall to make a double century in a One Day International match. His 237 not-out holds the highest individual score in Cricket World Cup matches and the second-best score in One Day Internationals. Guptill's left foot has only two toes. He lost three toes in a forklift accident when 13 years old. He is known as "Two Toes" within the New Zealand cricket team. Martin Guptill of New Zealand is an unsurprising name on this list, having dazzled cricket fans with his incredible power-hitting on numerous occasions. In a T20I match against South Africa in 2012, he smashed possibly the greatest six of his career against Lonwabo Tsotsobe.Martin Guptill's ODI average is 43.51, while his World Cup average is 57. The main disadvantage is that the opener has scored these runs against teams with a weak bowling attack. He's had to contend with teams like Australia, South Africa, and England. Guptill will face all of the teams in the World Cup at least once, so he must ensure that he gets runs against the weaker opponents and the heavyweights.4. Liam Livingstone || 122 meters vs. PakistanOn April 19, 2015, Livingstone grabbed the spotlight with an extraordinary cricket feat. He notched up a stunning 350 runs from just 138 balls while playing for his club team, Nantwich. This incredible performance was hailed as one of the highest individual scores in the history of one-day cricket.In the 2016 season, Livingstone marked his debut in first-class cricket while representing Lancashire. He further solidified his cricketing journey when he was awarded his county cap on April 24, 2017. This honor came after he led Lancashire to their first victory of the 2017 season, while serving as a stand-in captain.Liam Livingstone has established himself as one of England's most esteemed cricketers in shorter-format matches. He is known for his exceptional skills and performances. Notably, in a T20I game against Pakistan at Headingley last year, Livingstone smashed a colossal six that soared to an astounding distance of 122 meters, even leaving the stadium boundaries.5. Corey Anderson || 122 meters vs. IndiaGuptill is the first New Zealand cricketer and the sixth overall to make a double century in a One Day International match. His 237 not-out holds the highest individual score in Cricket World Cup matches and the second-best score in One Day Internationals. Guptill's left foot has only two toes. He lost three toes in a forklift accident when 13 years old. He is known as "Two Toes" within the New Zealand cricket team. Martin Guptill of New Zealand is an unsurprising name on this list, having dazzled cricket fans with his incredible power-hitting on numerous occasions. In a T20I match against South Africa in 2012, he smashed possibly the greatest six of his career against Lonwabo Tsotsobe.Martin Guptill's ODI average is 43.51, while his World Cup average is 57. The main disadvantage is that the opener has scored these runs against teams with a weak bowling attack. He's had to contend with teams like Australia, South Africa, and England. Guptill will face all of the teams in the World Cup at least once, so he must ensure that he gets runs against the weaker opponents and the heavyweights.6. Mark Waugh || 120 meters vs. New ZealandMark Waugh, often referred to as Junior due to being slightly younger than his twin brother Steve, comes from a cricketing family. His brother Dean Waugh also has a cricketing background, having represented New South Wales in both first-class and List A cricket. While Mark has often been in the shadow of his more renowned brother Steve, he remains one of the lesser-acknowledged cricketers in the exceptional Australian cricket team.Mark Waugh, however, has had his fair share of memorable moments on the cricket field. One such instance occurred during New Zealand's 1997 tour of Australia when he faced Daniel Vettori. Waugh showcased his remarkable strokeplay by striding down the track and smashing the ball an astonishing 120 meters down the ground at the WACA. His batting style has drawn comparisons to legendary cricketers such as Stan McCabe, Alan Kippax, Victor Trumper, Charlie Macartney, and Greg Chappell. His elegant and stylish approach to the game aligns him with these iconic names in cricket history.7. Yuvraj Singh || 119 meters vs. AustraliaYuvraj Singh's illustrious cricket career was marked by several accolades, including the prestigious Arjuna Award, India's second-highest sporting honor, which he received from the Indian government in 2012. Yuvraj's exceptional all-round abilities were on full display during the 2011 World Cup, where he etched his name in history by becoming the first player to achieve a remarkable feat - taking a 5-wicket haul and scoring 50 runs in the same World Cup match. His overall performance in the tournament was outstanding, with 15 wickets and 362 runs to his name, earning him the well-deserved title of the "Man of the Tournament." Yuvraj Singh's elegant and masterful strokeplay has earned him a place among cricket's greatest batsmen.Yuvraj's incredible six-hitting prowess was exemplified during the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007. In a match against Australia, he showcased his legendary hitting with an astonishing shot, breaking the official record for the longest six ever struck by an Indian batsman. Facing a delivery from Brett Lee that clocked over 90 mph, the left-handed Yuvraj flicked it effortlessly over square leg, sending the ball soaring a remarkable 119 meters.In the subsequent years, Yuvraj Singh dedicated himself to improving his fitness and made a successful return to the cricketing arena in early 2017 after missing the 2015 World Cup and 2016 World T20. Recognizing his experience and skills, Virat Kohli, the Indian captain, saw Yuvraj as a valuable addition, particularly with the 2017 Champions Trophy approaching. Following his comeback, Yuvraj delivered several outstanding innings, including a scintillating performance against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy opener. However, after the Champions Trophy, Yuvraj, along with a few other senior players, was dropped from India's squad. His fielding, which had once been exceptional, notably declined during this phase, highlighting the challenges of maintaining top form over an extended career.8. Mahendra Singh Dhoni || 118 meters vs. New ZealandMahendra Singh Dhoni, fondly known as MS Dhoni, bid farewell to international cricket in all formats on August 15, 2020. His illustrious career was marked by remarkable leadership, guiding the Indian cricket team to several significant victories. Dhoni served as captain during India's triumphs in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. Under his leadership, India also clinched the Asia Cup in 2010 and 2016.In the world of One Day International (ODI) cricket, MS Dhoni is renowned for his exceptional finishing abilities. He holds the record for the second-highest number of sixes by an Indian batsman. In a memorable moment during the third ODI of India's 2009 tour of New Zealand, Dhoni, the Indian captain, unleashed a colossal six that traveled an astounding 118 meters.Dhoni's association with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a remarkable tale. When the IPL gained prominence, cricket enthusiasts were eager to see which team would secure the services of the then-Indian skipper. The Chennai Super Kings, backed by an organization well-versed in managing sports, recognized the importance of strong leadership for building a successful franchise. They made a significant statement by signing Dhoni for a whopping 6 crores, making it the highest fee at the time. Dhoni's impact was profound, as he emerged as the third-highest run-scorer in the 2013 season, single-handedly leading CSK to the IPL final. Under his captaincy, CSK secured IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, and 2021, cementing his legacy as one of the most successful and revered leaders in IPL history.9. Chris Gayle || 116 meters vs. IndiaChris Gayle is widely regarded as one of the greatest Twenty20 cricket batsmen in the history of the sport, and many even consider him the best. His contributions have been pivotal to the success of West Indies teams, which secured victories in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2004, the ICC World Twenty20 in 2012, and the ICC World Twenty20 in 2016. Chris Gayle's impact transcends all three formats of the game, and he has set numerous records. His reputation as one of the most formidable and powerful batsmen in cricket history is well-deserved. As a former captain of the West Indies, he holds the world record for the most sixes hit in international cricket and is known for launching some of the longest sixes seen in the game. One such monumental six was his 116-meter strike off Yusuf Pathan during a group stage match in the ICC T20 World Cup against India.His prowess in Twenty20 cricket led to high expectations during the 2008 auction, especially after his remarkable century in the inaugural ICC World T20 in 2007. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) acquired his services with a substantial bid of 800,000 USD. Gayle's next three years were nothing short of spectacular, marked by a century on debut, ending the 2011 season with 608 runs and the Orange Cap, amassing 733 runs and another Orange Cap in 2012, and achieving the record for the highest individual T20 score of 175 not out against the Pune Warriors in 2013, a feat that included a remarkable 31-ball century.10. Ijaz Ahmed || 115 meters vs. IndiaHe smacked Virender Sehwag for a 115m six and crossed one of India's largest stadiums. The visitors were dominant throughout the game, creating havoc on the Indian bowlers and claiming a memorable victory important to Pakistan's Pepsi Cup hopes.
World Cup 2023: India have not beaten New Zealand in a knockout game in any ICC event. Rohit Sharma's men face a stiff test against the BlackCaps when the two sides meet in the first semi-finals on Wednesday in Mumbai.In ShortIndia have lost 9 matches out of 14 games to New Zealand in ICC white-ball eventsIndia have not beaten New Zealand in an ICC knockout match so farIndia will head into the semi-finals of the World Cup as firm favouritesIndia appears unbeatable in the home World Cup. Despite facing criticism leading up to the marquee event, the team has responded like champions, securing victories in all nine matches during the league stage. There's a strong possibility that India could emulate Australia's success in 2003 and 2007 by finishing the World Cup campaign undefeated.Everything seems to be clicking at the right time for India. Rohit Sharma has led from the front in a sensational campaign as captain, and more importantly, as a ruthless opening batter. Virat Kohli has piled up the runs, scoring 594 in 9 matches. The middle-order, unlike 2019, is looking strong with Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul among the runs. The absence of Hardik Pandya has not induced panic; instead, it has brought more clarity to the team regarding player roles. They have opted for a strategy of playing with five frontline bowlers, incorporating all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. India's bowling unit has performed exceptionally well, with Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj causing havoc for the opposition teams. The spin duo of Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav has further showcased their mastery in the art of spin bowling.However, India have to start afresh on Wednesday when they face New Zealand in the semi-finals at the Wankhede Stadium. Yes, Rohit Sharma's men have the advantage of playing in front of a packed crowd, but history doesn't favor the Men In Blue.India and New Zealand have played each other 13 times in ICC events in white-ball cricket, but they have managed just 4 victories. Yes, India defeated New Zealand in Dharamsala a couple of weeks ago but it was the BlackCaps that gave India their toughest test in their dominant run in the league stage.Not many would have forgotten the 2019 World Cup semi-finals. India headed into the semi-finals in Manchester after having topped the league stage. And New Zealand, much like 2023, sneaked through to the semi-finals at the 4th spot. However, Kane Williamson and his men battled past a Virat Kohli-led side into the final.New Zealand did not do anything extraordinary. Like always, they did the basics right. Reading the pitch wonderfully well, New Zealand posted 239 on the board after winning the toss and opted to bat. Despite the game slipping into the Reserve Day due to rain, New Zealand kept their nerves under check and perfectly executed their bowling plans against India.India's top-order was blown away as Matt Henry and Trent Boult ran riot in overcast conditions. India slipped to 5 for 3 after losing Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul for 1 each. Ravindra Jadeja battled hard with 77 and MS Dhoni nearly pulled it off with a 50 but the former captain's heartbreaking run-out sealed the deal - an 18-run win for New Zealand.In the other knockout match that India and New Zealand have played in an ICC tournament (white-ball), New Zealand successfully chased 265 against a Sourav Ganguly-led side in Nairobi.New Zealand, led by Stephen Fleming, won the toss and opted to field. India rode on a 117 from Sourav Ganguly and 69 from sachin Tendulkar to post 264. The total could have been much more but India collapsed from 202 for 1, losing their last 5 wickets for just 62 runs.India's bowling attack, led by Venkatesh Prasad, got the early wickets but a sensational 102 not out from all-rounder Chris Cairns helped New Zealand win the ICC Knockout trophy.IND vs NZ in ICC WHITE-BALL TOURNAMENTS1975 World Cup: India lost by 4 wickets in Manchester1979 World Cup: India lost by 8 wickets in Leeds1987 World Cup: India won by 16 runs in Bengaluru1987 World Cup: India won by 9 wickets in Nagpur1992 World Cup: India lost by 4 wickets in Dunedin1999 World Cup: India lost by 5 wickets in Nottingham2000 Champions Trophy: India lost by 4 wickets in Nairobi (Final)2003 World Cup: India won by 7 wickets in Centurion2007 T20 World Cup: India lost by 10 runs n Johannesburg2016 T20 World Cup: India lost by 47 runs in Nagpur2019 World Cup: No result2019 World Cup: Lost by 18 runs in Manchester (semi-final)2021 T20 World Cup: Lost by 8 wickets in Dubai2023 World Cup: Won by 4 wickets in DharamsalaIndia will certainly head into the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup as favourites but count New Zealand out at your own peril. The BlackCaps have not had a dominant run in the World Cup as they lost 4 matches on the trot before beating Sri Lanka in a must-win game to qualify for the semi-finals. However, they will be prepared to hand India another tough challenge. Also Read: Top 10 longest crickter six
