'No Reason Why They Can't Break the Jinx..': Matthew Hayden Backs India to Overcome World Cup Semifinal Hurdle

Former Australian batter Matthew Hayden has claimed that Rohit Sharma-led Indian team can finally go past the semifinals, having failed to do so in the past two editions of the ODI World Cup.

When MS Dhoni-led Indian team claimed the World Cup 2011 trophy on home soil, they broke a 28-year wait for the coveted trophy, however, in the 2015 World Cup, India lost to Australia in the semifinal by 85 runs, and in the 2019 edition, they fell short by 18 runs against New Zealand.

The Men in Blue are set to face the Kiwis again in 2023, and Hayden believes that the current crop have the best chance to move past the semifinal barrier.

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India will face New Zealand in the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 15, having won 9 of their 9 matches in the group stage.

“Well look, India is the in-form side. They’ve gone on a winning run like the Australian team did in 2003 and 2007. When it comes to semi-finals and finals, obviously, it’s a two-horse race across a four-horse race and obviously, India have everything covered in terms of their batting skills and bowling skills and the fielding has been outstanding,” Hayden told Star Sports.

“They’ve had great efficiency in all of those 3 departments and their bowling has been outstanding as well. There’s no reason why they can’t break the jinx,” the Australian cricketer turned commentator added.

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India have never defeated New Zealand in a knockout fixture in three attempts however, they did beat the Kiwis by four wickets in Dharamsala.

The victory was India’s first win over the Black Caps since 2003, but the painful memories of the 2019 World Cup still linger on as it was MS Dhoni’s last-ever match in Indian colours. The Indian team have their best chance of reaching the final since 2011, that too in home conditions.