ss

CWC 2019 Team New Zealand: Players to watch out for

With less than a week left for the World Cup to start, fans are at the edge of their seats. With practice matches starting from 24th, the teams will play their potential 11 and try out their bench strength as well, to pick an ideal side. 

This World Cup as we all know, is not just about the crowd favourites, but also about the teams that haven’t won the Trophy before. Time and again, teams gave proven that it’s about who can hold their nerves till the end to emerge victorious.

One such team last year was New Zealand. The Kiwis defied all odds in the last edition of the World Cup to appear in the finals. The team made their first ever Finals appearance in the last edition, after beating South Africa in the Semi-finals. 

The Team has had a mixed record in the World Cups, as they have played a total of 79 matches and won 48 out of them. Kiwis have always showed potential but when it comes to the ICC events, they don’t have a memorable track record.

Apart from their appearance in the Finals of the previous edition and a Champions Trophy win back in 2000, the team has lacked consistently in the ICC Tournaments. 

Kane Williamson

Image result for kane williamson
Image Courtesy - Scroll.in

The team always has packed a side that could make it big, but never have posed a threat to any other team in the World Cups. The case seems to be different this year, however, as the Kiwis ride a balanced boat with Kane Williamson steering it.

The former No. 1 ranked Test batsman currently is ranked number 12 in the ICC ODI rankings. With an impressive average of 46, currently the maestro is considered to be one of the best batsman in ODI cricket as well.

With 11 Centuries and 37 Half-Centuries, Williamson will definitely be New Zealand’s go to batsman in this edition of the World Cup. 

With his dependable batting style, Kane is expected to carry his team forward and see them through this World Cup. 

Ross Taylor

Image result for ross taylor
Image Courtesy - Newshub

When it comes to New Zealand’s batting, we can’t help but talk about their veteran, Ross Taylor. The experienced batsman has been a key stone to New Zealand’s batting in the recent times.

Ross has close to 10,000 ODI runs and has smashed 20 centuries and 47 half centuries till now. The seasoned batsman will definitely be a go to option and will be expected to provide crucial support to curate their batting. 

Apart from these two, Kiwi’s will also rely on Martin Guptill, Tom Latham and James Neesham in the batting department. 

However, the watch out factor in the New Zealand side this season will be their bowling unit. The pace attack will be led by the experienced Tim Southee. The other quick options in the team are Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry and all-rounder James Neesham etc. 

Trent Boult

Image result for trent boult
Image Courtesy - Scroll.in

But the name that’s predicted to turn New Zealand’s fortune in this edition is Trent Boult. The left arm quick is currently ranked No. 2 in the ICC ODI bowlers rankings. With over 145 scalps in 79 innings, Boult will definitely be a key factor for his team in this World Cup.

The seamer also has a staggering record in England as the pitches seem to be of his type.

 Be it his 13 wickets game in the 2015 Test series or the game where he picked his career best figures of 6/32, which resulted in rattling England’s innings for a mere 58, Boult has always been a star in England. 

The side sure has potential this year to go deep in the tournament, but the real question is will the Kiwis hold on to their nerves, or continue their blue run in the World cups?

 

Leave a Reply