New Zealand leg spinner, Ish Sodhi, has openly discussed the lingering pain from the 2019 World Cup final loss to England. This painful memory endures because, despite matching England’s score on two occasions, New Zealand ultimately fell short due to having fewer boundaries during the regular game. Both teams managed to score 241 runs within their allotted 50 overs and then replicated that score with 15 runs each during the super-over showdown. However, England secured the victory by virtue of hitting more boundaries.
A heartbreak like no other
This heart-wrenching defeat unfolded at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 14, a date etched in cricketing history and unforgettable for Kiwi fans, including Sodhi. Although he was part of the non-playing squad during that critical encounter, he likened the feeling to going through a painful breakup.
“It’s like breaking up with your first girlfriend,” Sodhi was quoted as saying stuff.co.nz
Sodhi’s redemption quest
Fast forward four years, and Sodhi has once again secured a coveted spot in New Zealand’s lineup for the ODI World Cup 2023 . This reunion with the tournament brings back memories of shared heartbreak for several players who experienced that fateful day. In his maiden World Cup appearance in 2019 , the 30-year-old featured in just one match, an encounter that didn’t leave a significant mark. In that game, he conceded 35 runs without managing to secure any wickets, contributing to an 86-run loss to Australia at Lord’s.
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Sodhi’s World Cup 2023 challenge
In the 16 ODIs that Sodhi has played since the 2019 World Cup, he has managed to claim 16 wickets, maintaining an average of 41. These statistics indicate that he has improved his performance and is steadily becoming a more potent force in the team’s bowling arsenal. Nevertheless, for the Ludhiana-born cricketer to solidify his position in the Black Caps XI for the high-stakes games in India, he must consistently present a genuine threat when it comes to taking wickets.
A chance for redemption
The upcoming global showpiece event will be a critical test for Sodhi and his teammates. It will see New Zealand facing off against the same rivals, England, once more in the opening fixture. This much-anticipated showdown is set to take place on October 5 at the renowned Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India. For Sodhi, it represents a chance for redemption, an opportunity to exorcise the demons of the past and script a new, triumphant chapter in his cricketing journey.
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