The World Cup 2023 is just a week away. The tournament, with 10 teams participating, will begin on October 5. While England, India and Australia are being deemed as favourites to win the prestigious tournament, it would be unwise to underestimate the New Zealand team. The Kane Williamson-led side have been one of the most consistent teams in ICC tournaments, having finished as runners-up in both the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cups. This year, they would be determined to break the shackles of past World Cup heartbreak and claim the coveted title. But do they have the squad to do that? What are the strength and weakness of the announced squad? Let’s find out.
New Zealand’s performance in 2019 World Cup
The 2019 World Cup saw the most dramatic finals in the history of the tournament. Despite a commendable run, New Zealand, led by Kane Williamson, ended up on the losing side in the most heart-breaking fashion. The ENG vs NZ final was tied after both teams scored 15 in Super Over. However, England were declared winners on the basis of superior boundary count.
SWOT Analysis:
Strength:
New Zealand’s World Cup squad saw the return of skipper Kane Williamson who has almost recovered from knee injury. While Williamson is set to miss out initial few games, his presence in the dressing room will be a big boost for the Kiwi side. Williamson’s calmness in pressure situation and his aggressive and strategical approach on the field is one of the strengths for the Kiwis.
Another notable strength for the New Zealand team in this World Cup is their formidable bowling lineup. The pace trio of Trent Boult, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson, along with the crafty spinner Ish Sodhi, their bowling core is nothing short of impressive.
Weakness:
One of the biggest concerns for the New Zealand side revolves around their vulnerability again spin in subcontinent conditions. Kane Williamson is the best player of spin in the side but he is likely to miss initial which will be a big worry. Apart from Williamson, only Tom Latham has some decent record against spinners in India. Players like Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell have struggled against spinners. The likes of Will Young, Mark Chapman do not have much experience playing in dusty pitches.
Opportunities:
New Zealand have a big opportunity to end their long wait for World Cup. The Blackcaps have been consistent in ICC tournaments but don’t have much trophies to show for. The Kiwis broke their ICC final curse in 2021 when they lifted the WTC title and would now be hopeful to go all the way in the coming World Cup.
Threats:
New Zealand team is battling few injuries ahead of the World Cup. Kane Williamson is still not 100% fit and will miss the first few games. Meanwhile, veteran pacer Tim Southee is recovering following surgery on his fractured right thumb and is also set to miss out the initial phase of the World Cup. The absence of these two players will be a big blow for the Kiwi side.
Key Players
The veteran trio of Kane Williamson, Ish Sodhi and Trent Boult, will be the key for New Zealand in this World Cup. Williamson’s experience batting in sub-continent pitches will give New Zealand’s batting a stability. Meanwhile, spinner Ish Sodhi and pacer Trent Boult will hold the key with ball. Boult has plethora of experience bowling in Indian pitches courtesy of IPL. Meanwhile, spin friendly track makes Ish Sodhi a lethal option in the middle overs. The spinner is coming into the World Cup after claiming a 6-wicket haul in the 3rd ODI against Bangladesh and will be high on confidence.
New Zealand’s Schedule for ODI World Cup 2023
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 5 | New Zealand vs England | Ahmedabad | 2 PM |
| October 9 | New Zealand vs Netherlands | Hyderabad | 2 PM |
| October 13 | New Zealand vs Bangladesh | Chennai | 10:30 AM |
| October 18 | New Zealand vs Afghanistan | Chennai | 2 PM |
| October 22 | India vs New Zealand | Dharamsala | 2 PM |
| October 28 | New Zealand vs Australia | Dharamsala | 10:30 AM |
| November 1 | New Zealand vs South Africa | Pune | 2 PM |
| November 4 | New Zealand vs Pakistan | Bengaluru | 10:30 AM |
| November 9 | New Zealand vs Sri Lanka | Bengaluru | 2 PM |
New Zealand Squad for World Cup 2023
Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.
