Cricket: New Zealand win toss, opt to bat in World Cup semi

India are facing New Zealand today with a place in the final of the Cricket World Cup on the line. The Black Caps won the toss and elected to bat first at Manchester.

There’s one change each for both teams, with fast bowler Lockie Ferguson replacing Tim Southee in the New Zealand side, while India have brought in spinner Yuzvendra Chahal for Kuldeep Yadav.

The sides haven't played each other at this year's tournament yet as their scheduled group stage meeting was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to bad weather.

New Zealand claimed an emphatic eight-wicket win in a World Cup warm-up match, but India have been in better form during the tournament, finishing top of the table, while the Black Caps have lost their last three matches and finished fourth.

Both sides have also been victorious at Old Trafford in the last few weeks, with India thrashing Pakistan there and New Zealand edging a thriller with the West Indies.

The winner will face either Australia or England, who play in the other semi-final on Thursday, in Sunday's showpiece at Lords.