It’s deja vu at ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
Take a look at this tweet posted by @cricketworldcup, the official handle of the cricket world cups:
11 years ago, #ViratKohli and #KaneWilliamson faced off in the ICC U19 World Cup semi-final in Malaysia.
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 7, 2019
On Tuesday, they will lead India and New Zealand in the #CWC19 semi-final at Old Trafford!
Full circle 🙌 #TeamIndia | #BackTheBlackCaps pic.twitter.com/FakooHmfUY
Now, let us take you on a journey to some 11 years ago when the India under-19 (U-19) team had a face-off with New Zealand at the semi-final stage. Then, India had demolished the Black Caps and won the match by three wickets.
The similarities between the 2008 and the July 9, 2019, encounters are uncanny. Team India was being captained by Kohli and the New Zealand side was being led by Kane Williamson. Both players are captains of their respective sides now. The Indian skipper has been at the top of the ICC rankings for batsmen with five half-centuries in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. His contribution has been instrumental in the fine run of the team at the tournament. Similarly, Williamson has led his team with the bat. He is capable of leading his side to victory against any team.
How cool is this?!?
— atul kasbekar (@atulkasbekar) July 7, 2019
During the 2008 U19 WC Semis India played NZ
We were captained by @imVkohli and New Zealand by #KaneWilliamson
The same two skippers face off on July 9 again this time in the #CWC2019 semis
Oh and India won that game by 3 wickets 👊🏽🇮🇳👊🏽🇮🇳
(Via text) pic.twitter.com/ylvx9mBB2x
During 2008 under 19 World Cup semifinal, India beat New Zealand by 3 wickets.
— Krish Venkat Ragavan (@KVRJI) July 7, 2019
India was lead by Kohli.
New Zealand was lead by Williamson.
Both going to face off each other in 2019 ODI World Cup semifinal, again as Captains of their respective countries#INDvsNZ #CWC2019 pic.twitter.com/p9JJ1NWXTd
Moreover, India had in its side Ravindra Jadeja, while the New Zealanders had Tim Southee and Trent Boult as members of their side.
This is the first time the two teams will face each other in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 since their group stage match was washed out by rain. Some on Twitter are still afraId of the rain:
If there is no #IndvsNz match due to rains on Tuesday as well as reserve day then who will qualify?
— Kaushal N Sheth🇮🇳 (@kaush_sheth_86) July 7, 2019
Many would be hoping that history repeats itself and Team India cruises to the tournament’s final.
In ‘08, under-19 World Cup semifinal, India captained by Virat Kohli beat New Zealand captained by Kane Williamson by 3 wickets.
— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) July 7, 2019
Will history be repeated on the Tuesday semifinals of the World Cup? #indvsnz pic.twitter.com/psC0OIxoQ6
History Will repeat again #indvsnz#CWC19 @cricketaakash @vikrantgupta73 pic.twitter.com/ewHxaFb1Bt
— Diwakar Mishra (@imdiwakar18) July 7, 2019
The Indian Twitterati was supportive of the team:
This match is something special to both of them and the Cricket World. Come on captain, hunt them down. #ViratKohli #INDVSNZ pic.twitter.com/BgkJerhyDU
— Anandu K.S (@AnanduSyam) July 7, 2019
All the best to my nation #indvsnz pic.twitter.com/IZ7EKVpeV9
— Jeevan Patil (@PoyrePatil) July 7, 2019
Others were talking about the stats:
Head to head Ind vs NZ
— Rambo (@And_The_Name_Is) July 6, 2019
Total: 8
NZ : 4
Ind: 3
No result: 1
I think it's indias turn to payback
NZ,NZ Ind,Ind, then NZ,NZ, Ind and this time also india#AUSvSA #indvsnz pic.twitter.com/yMrLAgCymN
India climbed to the top of the chart when South Africa beat Australia by a mere 10 runs, much to the delight of fans on Twitter:
Table Top 💥💥#INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/JTsdTVk1i1
— RAPO Naidu (@thota_J) July 6, 2019
There were some who also interested in the second semi-final between the Aussies and England:
Semi-finals are set:
— Bollywood Gandu (@BollywoodGandu) July 7, 2019
India vs Kane Williamson
Australia vs Toss#CWC19
