India-New Zealand cricket matches typically exist under substantial pressure according to previous historical encounters between these rival teams. Coming up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 both teams must anticipate an exciting contest that avoids any controversy from interfering.
2023 World Cup Semi-Final Pitch Controversy
During the semi-final game of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup India and New Zealand played at Wankhede Stadium Mumbai where pitch selection caused a significant controversy. Pitch 6 received the match instead of Pitch 7 which should have been the playing surface according to plans. The decision to pick Pitch 6 instead of Pitch 7 resulted in accusations that India wanted a slow pitch to gain an edge thus creating a media controversy about match conditions that put the ICC in the spotlight.
Also Read: MS Dhoni’s New Bat First Look!! What Does The ‘SOMI’ Sticker Represent? Find Out
Hardik Pandya’s Disputed Dismissal
A dispute arose during the first ODI of 2023 when New Zealand played India about the dismissal of Hardik Pandya. Pandya received his dismissal from Daryl Mitchell during the 40th over when his stumps got dislodged. The replay footage showed that the ball might have missed the stumps potentially because Wicketkeeper Tom Latham knocked down the bails by mistake. The match authorities in charge of the third umpire review confirmed the initial call sending Pandya to the locker room.
ICC Chief Executive’s Controversial Comment
An 8-wicket Indian loss in ODI competition against New Zealand led ICC Chief Executive David Richardson to spark debate through his response. The ICC chief executive told reporters that each team experiences victory and loss “when it is their time” during an interview about India’s defeat in the match. Several cricket analysts along with Indian fans strongly criticized his response because it seemed to devalue the Indian cricket team’s hard work and dedication.
Also Read: India Vs New Zealand: Head To Head Stats, Weather Report, Pitch Update, Probable Playing XI
