2021 ICC T20 World Cup Team Preview: New Zealand

New Zealand aim to go the distance in this T20 World Cup

The 2021 edition of the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup is scheduled to be played in the Oman and United Arab Emirates from 15^th October till 14^th November.

In the 2016 T20 World Cup, New Zealand suffered defeat at the hands of England in the semifinal game played at Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi. The Black Caps have reached the semis on two occasions (2007, 2016)

Despite their recent defeat against Bangladesh in the five-match T20I series, expect New Zealand to be one of the favorites to lift the coveted trophy in the UAE.

Record in UAE

New Zealand’s record in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—where the mega-event will be played—makes a good reading where they went on to win three matches and suffered two defeats in six outings.

In the competition’s history, The Black Caps have managed to win 15 times out of 30 matches played.

The Kane Williamson-led unit will be looking to go the distance and break their trophy drought this year.

Batting department:

The batting department is looking is in excellent form, especially the likes of Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Kane Williamson and James Neesham delivering runs for the side so far this season

Mark Chapman, Tim Seifert, Todd Astle and Adam Milne have been included in the New Zealand squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The batting will be revolved around Captain Kane Williamson and veteran opener Martin Guptill, whereas the likes of Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips and James Neesham will be a key in guiding the team towards a decent total.

Since November 2020, Middle-order batsman Devon Conway has topped the batting charts for New Zealand in the T20 format. In 19 matches played, Devon Conway has accumulated 556 runs at an average of 50.54 with four fifties to his name. Besides Conway, Glenn Phillips has shown excellent form with the bat during this period and accumulated 451 runs at an average of 41.00

Bowling department:

New Zealand’s bowling attack is one of the best in the world in the T20 format.

The pace attack will be led by star left-arm fast-bowler Trent Boult who will be accompanied by the likes of Tim Southee, Adam Milne, James Neesham and Kyle Jamieson.

The team also comprised of three spinners in Ish Sodhi, Mitchell Santner and Todd Astle whereas Kane Williamson can also contribute if there is some assistance available for slower bowlers.

Since November 2020, Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi is currently New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker in the T20 format. In 17 matches, Ish Sodhi has claimed 28 wickets at an average of 15.39 with an economy rate of 7.83.

Oppositions:

New Zealand are placed in Group 2 alongside Pakistan, India, Afghanistan whereas the two teams will be decided after the qualifying round.

The Black Caps will open their tournament with the match against Pakistan on October 26 whereas their final round-robin match is scheduled to be played on November 07 in Abu Dhabi.

It will be interesting to see whether New Zealand can go the distance in this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.