2014 World T20 Preview: New Zealand

Here in this article we preview the New Zealand Team’s chances in the 2014 World T20.

New Zealand cricket team is the long time under achievers in World cricket. They are yet to taste success in World Cups. In spite of having a decent team, the kiwis are failing to make it count in the ICC events. They come into the ICC World T20 after having a sensational series against India at home. They will look to play hard and win the title. Last time around, they were really unlucky to lose two crucial matches in the super over. They will be hoping for a better fortune this time. Once again they go into the tournament as the underdogs and they will look to cause an upset or two in a place where their ODI record is not upto the mark, having lost their last two series to Bangladesh. Here is how the Kiwis are lined up ahead of the 2014 ICC World Twenty20.

Squad:

Captain: Brendon McCullam

Coach: Mike Hesson

Batsmen:

•         Martin Guptill
•         Anton Devcich
•         Kane Williamson
•         Ross Taylor
•         Brendon McCullam
•         Colin Munro

Bowlers:

•         Tim Southee
•         Mitchell McClenaghan
•         Nathan McCullam
•         Ronnie Hira
•         Adam Milne
•         Trent Boult

All-Rounders:

•         Corey Anderson
•         Jimmy Neesham

Wicket Keepers:

•         Luke Ronchi

The Kiwis will be relying on their opener Martin Guptill to get the Kiwis off to a decent start. His opening partner Anton Devcich, on the other hand is not much experienced as Guptill and he will look to play his shots right from the word go. Then the kiwis have their most dependable batsman in Kane Williamson. His batting position might vary depending on the situation of the game. In case of an early wicket, Williamson will be batting at number three and if the start is good, he will come down the order to allow he likes of Brendon McCullam, Ross Taylor to play their game. Brendon McCullam is the most dangerous T20 batsman apart from Chris Gayle. He can clear the boundaries whenever needed and can take the Kiwis to a commanding position even with a short stay at the crease. Ross Taylor is also an explosive batsmen who can play his shots especially towards the end of the innings. Then the kiwis have their X-Factor in the All-Round duo of Corey Anderson and Jimmy Neesham. Their style of play is not known to many teams and that will work in favour of the Kiwis. Anderson, who took the cricket world by storm after his record breaking ton off just 36 balls in an ODI against West Indies on the New Year day is a hard hitting batsman who can go after the bowlers right from the word go. On the other hand, Neesham too is a destructive batsman especially in the death overs. Aussie import Luke Ronchi provides the extra firepower at the end of the innings. Their bowling too looks good with Tim Southee leading the attack. Southee is well accompanied by Mitchell McClenaghan, who has the knack of picking up wickets at crucial intervals. Anderson and Neesham are expected to bowl their quota of overs and Nathan McCullam remains the lone spinner in the side. If needed, Kane Williamson will roll his arm over. The Kiwi squad looks in good shape and they will look to make the most of it by winning the tournament.

Possible Playing XI:  Martin Guptill, Anton Devcich, Kane Williamson, Brendon McCullam, Ross Taylor, Corey Anderson, Jimmy Neesham, Luke Ronchi, Tim Southee, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullam.

Schedule:

Date	Against	Venue
22-3-2014	England	Chittagong
24-3-2014	South Africa	Chittagong
29-3-2014	Qualifier	Chittagong
31-3-2014	Sri Lanka	Chittagong
3-4-2014 & 4-4-2014	Semi-Finals	Mirpur
6-4-2014	Finals	Mirpur