Virat Kohli passes hilarious comment on playing vs New Zealand rather than England in the semi-final of the 2019 Cricket World Cup
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The first semi-final between India and New Zealand of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, will take place at The Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester on July 9. Cricket fans from across the globe will have a keen eye on this contest as it will decide which team becomes the first to advance for the summit clash and the World Champion title.
While the four semi-finalist were already decided before the league match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, it was still not sure as to who would face whom in the two semi-finals set to take place on July 9 and July 11 at The Old Trafford (Manchester) and Edgbaston (Birmingham) respectively.
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After Team India’s 31-run loss against England in the league stage, a large section of fans were hoping New Zealand to face as India’s opponents in the semi-finals, as they advance through despite losing back-to-back three matches in the league stage, and are considered a relatively lesser threat than the English side, who have peaked in just at the right moment before the knock out stage.
Addressing the pre-match press conference before tomorrow’s semi-final, India skipper Virat Kohli gave a hilarious reply on India playing New Zealand in the first semi-final of the World Cup.
What did Virat Kohli reply?
When asked whether he is happy with the last minute change in the semi-final line-up, as India finished at the top after Australia’s loss versus South Africa, Virat Kohli came up with his comical side and commented on the same without falling in the journalist’s trap.
While he admitted that he is indeed happy with his team facing New Zealand in the semi-final, the reason which he came up with, was not expected by the pack of men present at the conference. As per Kohli, he was happy only because his team had to travel a comparatively shorter distance from Leeds to Manchester rather than to Birmingham- where the second semi-final is set to take place.
“We were very happy about it. It is only one hour drive from Leeds to Manchester as compared to three hours by bus to Birmingham”, replied Kohli.
#ViratKohli in PC on last minute change in semis lineup: We were very happy about it. It is only one hour drive from Leeds to Manchester as compared to three hours by bus to Birmingham. #IndvNZ #NZvInd #CWC19
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) July 8, 2019
It is worth mentioning that India played their last league match versus Sri Lanka at the Headingley stadium in Leeds. Even after the win they were not sure as to who they would face in the semi-final as the Australia-South Africa match was still in progress.
As it turned out, Australia’s loss against the Proteas pushed them down to the second spot, with India claiming the top position due to their win against Sri Lanka.