Introduction
The 2023 ODI World Cup is just around the corner, starting on October 5th. Ten teams will compete in a round-robin format, and the last team standing will win the prestigious World Cup trophy.
New Zealand, like all the other teams, is preparing for the tournament with full force. To everyone’s surprise, they have named a 15-man squad with the recovering Kane Williamson as captain.
The 33-year-old, who may be playing in his final ODI World Cup, was stunned by a knee injury while trying to stop a boundary early in the 2023 Indian Premier League. However, after a smooth recovery, it is learned that Williamson will be able to participate in the upcoming event, albeit missing the first few games.
Strengths
New Zealand’s cricket team boasts an impressive track record, having reached the finals of ICC tournaments on three occasions: two 50-over World Cup finals in 2015 and 2019, along with the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2021. This underscores their remarkable ability to excel on the global stage.
In the upcoming World Cup, the return of skipper Kane Williamson, who is nearing full recovery from a knee injury, is a significant advantage. While Williamson may miss the initial few matches, his presence in the dressing room will provide a substantial boost to the Kiwi side. His composure in pressure situations and his strategic and aggressive approach on the field are among the team’s strengths.
Another noteworthy strength for New Zealand in this World Cup is their formidable bowling lineup. Featuring the pace trio of Trent Boult, Matt Henry, and Lockie Ferguson, along with the crafty spinner Ish Sodhi, their bowling core is undeniably impressive.
Weaknesses
New Zealand’s overall ODI record in India is not very promising, with only 18 wins out of 61 matches, 47 losses, and two games ending without a result. Additionally, Captain Kane Williamson is still recovering from an injury sustained during IPL 2023 and is set to miss New Zealand’s tournament opener against defending champions England in Ahmedabad.
One of the team’s most significant concerns is their vulnerability to spin in subcontinent conditions. Kane Williamson, the best player of spin in the side, is likely to miss the initial matches, posing a considerable worry. Apart from Williamson, only Tom Latham has a decent record against spinners in India. Players like Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell have struggled against spinners. Meanwhile, players like Will Young and Mark Chapman lack experience playing on dusty pitches.
Opportunities
New Zealand has a significant opportunity to break their long-standing World Cup drought. Despite consistent performances in ICC tournaments, they have few trophies to show for it. The Kiwis ended their ICC final curse in 2021 when they lifted the WTC title, and they are now hopeful of going all the way in the upcoming World Cup.
Threats: The New Zealand team is grappling with several injuries ahead of the World Cup. Kane Williamson is still not at 100% fitness and will miss the first few games. Additionally, veteran pacer Tim Southee is in the process of recovering from surgery on his fractured right thumb and is also expected to miss the initial phase of the World Cup. The absence of these two key players will pose a significant setback for the Kiwi side.
Key Players
In this World Cup, the veteran trio of Kane Williamson, Ish Sodhi, and Trent Boult will play pivotal roles for New Zealand. Williamson’s experience in batting on subcontinent pitches will provide stability to New Zealand’s batting lineup. Meanwhile, spinner Ish Sodhi and pacer Trent Boult will be crucial with the ball. Boult, with his extensive experience of bowling on Indian pitches in the IPL, is a valuable asset. Additionally, Ish Sodhi’s effectiveness on spin-friendly tracks in the middle overs makes him a lethal option. His confidence is boosted by a recent 6-wicket haul in the 3rd ODI against Bangladesh.
Schedule
