'Blackcaps will be there' - Mitchell McClenaghan confidently predicts ODI World Cup finalists

Mitchell McClenaghan, the former Kiwi left-arm pacer, responded with confidence to a fan's prediction of an India-New Zealand final in the upcoming 2023 ICC World Cup. The World Cup, scheduled to take place in India from October 5th to November 19th, has garnered early attention due to this intriguing exchange.

The fan expressed his conviction that the two cricket powerhouses, India and New Zealand, will battle it out in the ultimate showdown of the tournament. Tagging McClenaghan, the fan sought the cricketer's opinion on this bold prediction. The post read,

"Have a deep feeling that IND vs NZ will play the final of WC, always respect @BLACKCAPS whenever played against us, @Mitch_Savage, your feelings regarding WC tournament...". 

McClenaghan's response, infused with the specific Kiwi spirit, left no room for doubt. "Blackcaps will be there," he wrote, reinforcing the confidence he holds in his team's prowess.

This potential clash holds an added layer of significance due to the history between these two teams in ICC events. New Zealand's triumph over India in the 2019 World Cup semi-final and their victory in the 2021 World Test Championship final have firmly etched them in Indian cricket fans' minds. 

The upcoming group stage encounter between the two teams on October 22 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium is anticipated to be one more thriller. However, a shadow of uncertainty looms over the New Zealand camp as their skipper Kane Williamson continues to recover from a knee injury sustained during IPL 2023. Though he remains hopeful about his participation in the World Cup, Williamson emphasized the importance of proper rehabilitation.

"If the knee is at a stage where that [playing World Cup] can be a reality, that's great, but it very much is about getting it right and making sure it is ready to go when that time comes - whenever that time is," Williamson was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. 

The Kiwis, having come so close to glory in recent ICC tournaments, will be determined to clinch their maiden World Cup title, with the heartening support of their fans.