New Zealand gears up for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 with a well-balanced squad brimming with talent and experience. Led by the ever-reliable Kane Williamson, the team sets its sights on their first T20 World Cup title.
After finishing up as runners-up in 2021, Kiwis will now aim to do one better this time and break the curse of ICC white-ball trophy. Here’s a closer look at the squad, with ratings based on individual stats, current form, and overall impact:
New Zealand Player Ratings:
Kane Williamson (C): 8/10
Williamson’s leadership and strategic acumen are invaluable. His dependable batting, experience of five T20 World Cups, and calmness under pressure make him a key player.
The modern great from NZ has smashed 2547 runs in the 87 T20I matches with a very low strike rate of 123.64. His average in the shortest format of the game is 33.96.
Matches: 87, Runs: 2547, Strike rate:123.64, Average: 33.96.
Finn Allen: 7.5/10
The explosive young opener brings power and the ability to provide quick starts, crucial for setting the tone in T20 matches.
This ballistic young opener has 1106 runs against his name in the 43 T20I matches with a very lethal strike rate of 163.60. His average in the shortest format of the game is 25.72.
Matches: 43, Runs 1106, Strike Rate: 163.60, Average: 25.72.
Trent Boult: 8.5/10
A seasoned campaigner with exceptional swing bowling skills and wicket-taking abilities, Boult remains a vital part of the pace attack.
In 57 T20I matches, ace speedster has bagged a whooping 74 wickets with an average of 23.24. His economy is just under 8.
Matches: 57, Wickets: 74, Average: 23.24, Economy: 7.98
Devon Conway: 9/10
Conway offers solidity and stability at the top of the order. His consistent performances provide a crucial platform for the middle order.
In 46 T20I matches, Devon Conway has smashed 1338 runs. He averages just below 40 and has a decent strike rate of around 130.
Matches: 46, Runs 1338, Strike Rate: 129.02, Average: 39.35
Lockie Ferguson: 8/10
Known for his raw pace and ability to take crucial wickets, Ferguson is a constant threat to opposition batsmen.
This dangerous speedster has scalped 54 wickets in 38 T20 Internationals. He averages 18.83 with an economy of 7.52.
Matches: 38, Wickets: 54, Average: 18.83, Economy: 7.52.
Daryl Mitchell: 8/10
A versatile all-rounder, Mitchell offers valuable contributions with both bat and ball. His ability to adapt to different situations makes him a valuable asset.
In 63 matches with 1260 runs, Mitchell has an average of 26.25. His strike rate stand at 138.61 in T20Is.
Matches: 63, Runs 1260, Strike Rate: 138.61, Average: 26.25.
Glenn Phillips: 8/10
The hard-hitting Phillips brings power and impetus to the middle order, crucial for accelerating the scoring rate in the later overs.
This proper T20 monster has played 74 matches and has scored 1817 runs. His strike rate stands at 143.29 in the shortest format.
Matches: 74, Runs 1817, Strike Rate: 143.29, Average: 33.03
Michael Bracewell: 7.5/10
Bracewell’s all-round abilities provide depth to the batting lineup. His medium pace bowling can also be handy in breaking partnerships.
In 21 T20Is, he has scored 167 runs. With ball in hand, Bracewell has taken 24 wickets with an economy of 6.26.
Matches: 21, Wickets: 24, Average: 14.04, Economy: 6.26.
Jimmy Neesham: 8/10
Neesham, another valuable all-rounder, offers power-hitting in the lower middle order and can chip in with handy wickets with his medium pace.
In 77 T20Is, he has scored 934 runs with an average of 155.66. With ball in hand, Neesham has taken 38 wickets with an economy of 9.17.
Matches: 77, Runs 934, Strike Rate: 155.66, Average: 22.78
Mitchell Santner: 7.5/10
The experienced left-arm spinner provides control and can take crucial wickets in the middle overs. With 111 wickets in 100 T20I matches, this slow left armer is most important for New Zealand’s T20 World Cup dreams.
Matches: 100, Wickets: 111, Average: 22.13, Economy: 7.11.
Ish Sodhi: 7.5/10
Sodhi’s leg-spin bowling adds variety to the attack and can be especially effective against right-handed batsmen.
This spinner has 136 wickets in 116 T20I matches. With economy of 7.99, seasoned slow bowler has an average of 23.10.
Matches: 116, Wickets: 136, Average: 23.10, Economy: 7.99.
Tim Southee: 8/10
A veteran pacer with experience and leadership qualities, Southee complements Boult and Ferguson with his accuracy and swing bowling.
The most experienced pacer in this Kiwi team, Tim Southee has played 123 matches and has bagged 157 wickets for them.
Matches: 123, Wickets: 157, Average: 23.15, Economy: 8.13.
Matt Henry: 7.5/10
Henry provides additional pace and wicket-taking ability, adding depth to the bowling attack.
Henry don’t have much experience under his belt but can be a good backup for the pacers in the playing XI. He has played 17 matches, has scalped T20I wickets.
Matches: 17, Wickets: 20, Average: 24.80, Economy: 8.13.
Rachin Ravindra: 7/10
The young all-rounder brings promising talent to the squad. His batting and off-spin bowling offer future potential.
In 20 T20I matches, Rachin Ravindra has scored 214 runs. While bowling he has scalped 11 wickets.
Matches: 20, Runs 214, Strike Rate: 133.75, Average: 16.46
Mark Chapman: 7/10
Mark Chapman, born in Hong Kong, began playing for his birthplace in 2014 but later switched allegiance to New Zealand, his father’s country. Despite a century on ODI debut for Hong Kong, he opted for New Zealand and earned a call-up in 2018 after a strong domestic season.
A left-handed batsman who bowls occasional left-arm spin, Chapman overcame a knee injury in his youth to pursue a successful cricket career.
Matches: 75, Runs 1544, Strike Rate: 133.10, Average: 29.13.
Overall Team Rating: 7/10 (Favorites with Potential)
New Zealand boasts a well-balanced squad with experienced players and exciting young talent. Their depth in batting, bowling, and all-round options makes them a strong contender for the T20 World Cup title. With Williamson’s leadership and strategic mind at the helm, they have the potential to overcome any challenge. However, a strong performance from all players will be crucial to secure their maiden T20 World Cup victory.
New Zealand T20 WC Squad:
Kane Williamson (C), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee.
