Overview:
New Zealand launched their World T20 campaign in India with two consecutive T20 match against Sri Lanka and England respectively. They bludgeoned Sri Lankan, scoring 226, but were trapped by English spinners at Wankhede and eventually lost the match to England.
The Kiwis lead by Kane Williamson has plenty of power hitters on and fast bowlers in their rank, so they will start the tournament as one of the favourites. Corey Anderson and Munro blew away the shaky Sri Lankan attack. But, as they confront a good side like England their problem exposed as they failed to find a clue of English leg-spinner Adil Rashid. However, captain Kane Willaimson who is renowned for his flawless technique played superb knock opening the innings with Martin Guptill.
New Zealand has a couple of players-Corey Anderson, Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Mitchell McClenaghan- who has good Indian Premier League experience. But, they don’t have any experienced spinner like their arch nemesis Australia.
However, most of their young players have little experience of Indian conditions that may create a problem for them in crunch situations.
New Zealand feature in a group of death with host India, Australia and a qualifier of group A. So they will face a mountainous challenge from the host country India in the tournament beginner at Jamtha Stadium, Nagpur.
New Zealand in their last home T20 series against Sri Lanka won the series 2-1. But they lost the series ODI and Test series in Australia.
Players to watch out for: Fast bowler Adam Milne and pinch hitter Colin Munro will be the players to watch out for. Milne can beat a player with his speed while Munro can make a bowling department a dust smashing them. New Zealand will play their inaugural match against India at Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, where fast bowler traditionally gets assistance. So, 23-year-old Milne can be a handy bowler for Kane Willaimson. At the same time, Munro plays fast bowler very well. So his batting against Indian medium pacer will help New Zealand.
Strength: This New Zealand team filled with power hitters like Corey Anderson, Grant Elliot, Martin Guptill and packed with a fast bowler like Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Adam Milne. So they can break the heart of any team in any day.
Fielding will add extra strength to the New Zealand team.
Weakness: They lack a good spinner. New Zealand did not find a good replacement for Daniel Vettori. They had to call Nathan McCullum, who had to broke his 2015 retirement to help the team. However, they have Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi who don’t have experience of any big tournament.
Ranking: Ranked four with 116 rating points behind South Africa.
Recent win-loss ratio: New Zealand since 2014 World T20 in Bangladesh played 17 T20. They won 10 and lost seven matches. However, in recent time they played four matches and lost as many matches as they won.
Expectations: They have a well-balanced team. Power hitters like Guptill, Munro and allrounder like Anderson give them a threatening combination. Prolific scorer Kane Williamson and a very fast bowling department will also help New Zealand cause in this World T20. But, their spin department is too much Nathan McCullum dependant that could affect New Zealand’s bid for first World T20 title.
Coach: Mike Hesson
New Zealand full squad: Kane Williamson (c), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor