ICC World Cup 2019 | New Zealand’s predicted XI for their opening game against Sri Lanka in Cardiff
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New Zealand will start their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka in Cardiff today. Wicket-keeper batsman Tom Latham has recovered from his finger injury and is a sure starter in the playing XI, replacing Tom Blundell, whereas Henry Nicholls is expected to open along with Martin Guptill.
Openers
Martin Guptill: He has been one of the most experienced campaigners in this line-up and on his day, he can make a mockery of best of the bowling attacks. Guptill was unstoppable in the series against Bangladesh and would be looking to kick-start the campaign with a big score under his belt.
Henry Nicholls: A calculated batsman at the top, Henry Nicholls has cemented his place with some impressive performances. The southpaw alongside Guptill can form a lethal opening pair and take the game away from the opposition inside the powerplay overs.
Middle-order
Kane Williamson: The New Zealand skipper is no less than a spine in this batting line-up. He is equally equipped to tackle pace as well as spin and has an uncanny knack of scoring the tough runs. A lot of New Zealand’s success will depend on the way Williamson fares and should do well in the opening game against Sri Lanka.
Ross Taylor: The man in form for New Zealand, Ross Taylor has done incredibly well in recent times. He has been in tough situations before and has immense experience in bailing the team out of tricky situations. If Taylor manages to replicate his magic, New Zealand will go a long way in the tournament.
Tom Latham: Widely reckoned as the spin specialist in the line-up, Tom Latham has come a long way in international cricket. The southpaw banks on sound technique and has the temperament to play long innings. His presence in the middle-order should stabilise things for New Zealand and build a platform for the explosive lower order to capitalise on.
All-Rounders
Jimmy Neesham: His recent from should infuse confidence going into the World Cup; he is a utility cricketer and can be very effective on his day. With six bowlers becoming the need of the hour, Neesham serves the purpose of a perfect fifth bowler and a more than handy lower-order batsman.
Colin de Grandhomme: While his recent form might not be staggering, but Gandhomme in all probability will start the World Cup for New Zealand. He can bowl few handy overs and garner quick runs to put pressure along with being a good fielder.
Mitchell Santner: New Zealand are blessed with some impactful all-rounders with Santner being the best among them. In this era of wrist-spinners, he is very effective with his orthodox left-arm spin and has the potential to play crucial innings. Santner, at eight, provides solid depth and stability to New Zealand.
Bowlers
Tim Southee: Southee has been hot and cold in recent times but given the kind of experience he has, a bowler of his calibre cannot be written off. English conditions will provide some help with the new ball and if Southee manages to exploit it, the opposition will certainly have a tough time.
Ish Sodhi: With wrist-spin becoming a mandate in contemporary cricket, New Zealand will need someone like Sodhi in their ranks. It’s a big opportunity for Sodhi to make an impression on the grandest stage of international cricket.
Trent Boult: Well, he needs no introduction. He is one of the best new ball bowlers in contemporary cricket and will be the one to watch out for this edition. Boult was the second best bowler in the 2015 World Cup and has only grown since then.
New Zealand’s Predicted XI: Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, Jimmy Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult.
