New Zealand has a reputation for producing outstanding performances in major International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments.
They have consistently performed well in 50-over World Cups, appearing in five semi-finals and two finals, including the most recent two—the 2015 and 2019 editions.
However, they have not shown the same consistency in ICC T20 World Cups, where they have only qualified for two semi-finals, in 2007 and 2016, out of the six events that have taken place.
Though the Kiwis have not shown their true potential in the shortest format of the game, winning 73 games out of 150 and losing 66, they are still a force to be reckoned with.
In comparison to the previous T20 World Cup, they appear to be a more balanced squad, with a more competent bowling line and more flamboyant batting.
The addition of players such as Devon Conway, Tim Seifert, Lockie Ferguson, and Kyle Jamieson has increased the Blackcaps’ batting and bowling strength.
In the group stage, the Kiwis will face Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, all of whom are known for their quality spin bowling.
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The pitches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are expected to be slow and spin-friendly. Many people believe that New Zealanders aren’t the best spinners. Furthermore, they will be without their experienced campaigner and arguably one of their best spinners, Ross Taylor.
Having said that, New Zealand’s new batters appear to be quite effective against spinners.
Star players like Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, and Devon Conway have a healthy scoring average of 36.25, 41.66, and 57.50 vs spin, compared to 24.08, 21.19, and 59.66, respectively, against pacers.
Batting against spinners in Asian conditions, on the other hand, is a completely different ball game.
New Zealand Cricket will be hoping that their players’ experience in the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be useful in the upcoming mega-event.
The Blackcaps, on the other hand, will have two specialist spinners in Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi.
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Santer, a left-arm slow bowler, is a shrewd campaigner. He is not a great ball-turner, but he is effective with changes of pace and length. In 52 games, he has hunted 60 batsmen with an economy rate of 7.38.
Sodhi, on the other hand, is a more attacking option for the Kiwis. The leg-spinner has 73 wickets in 57 matches and an economy rate of 8.07. The fourth-ranked T20I side is expected to field both of their slow bowlers in the tournament.
Aside from these cricketers, New Zealand has a few experienced players who will play an important role regardless of the playing conditions.
Kane Williamson, the skipper, will be the key to New Zealand’s success, at least when it comes to batting.
Their entire batting order will revolve around the 31-year-old, who will most likely keep one end intact while the rest of the Kiwi batters attack from the other. Williamson is the type of player who attacks with the utmost finesse and subtlety.
Aside from these cricketers, New Zealand has a few experienced players who will play an important role regardless of the playing conditions.
Kane Williamson, the skipper, will be the key to New Zealand’s success, at least when it comes to batting.
Their entire batting order will revolve around the 31-year-old, who will most likely keep one end intact while the rest of the Kiwi batters attack from the other. Williamson is the type of player who attacks with the utmost finesse and subtlety.
Players to watch out for
Lockie Ferguson:
He’s all about the speed. All of the teams in the competition will be wary of the 30-year-old right-arm quick. He is quick, precise, and aggressive. Even on slow tracks like the ones in the UAE, facing genuine fast bowlers can be difficult for even the best batters in the world.
Devon Conway: Since making his international debut for the Blackcaps, Conway has become an indispensable member of their squad. The 30-year-old left-handed batter has been absolutely fantastic for his team. In the 14 T20Is he has played in, he has an unreal average of 59.12 and a strike rate of 151. Along with the skipper, he is crucial to the Blackcaps’ batting.
Kane Williamson:
Without a doubt, Williamson is the Kiwis’ backbone, both as captain and batter. Williamson’s poise and ability to score runs with ease distinguish him as a special player and a threat to any opponent. He is an excellent spinner who understands how to build his inning and can speed up the scoring rate when necessary. He is one of the players that every opposing team will try to get rid of early in the inning.
Recent form
New Zealand has been in top form in 2021, winning eight of the 13 T20Is. However, their second-tier side was recently defeated 3-2 by Bangladesh in a five-match series. They had played on difficult spinning tracks, but the series loss may have shaken their confidence a little.
What to expect?
Based on their recent performances, the Blackcaps are considered one of the favorites to reach the semi-finals. If the wickets are suitable for batting, the Kiwis will almost certainly make a name for themselves in the competition. However, if the tracks become difficult, they may fade out and lose to Asian teams who will take advantage of the conditions.
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