ICC World Cup 2019 | Consecutive losses won’t affect New Zealand too much, writes Daniel Vettori

In what was pegged to be a thrilling match with two of the top four teams set to collide and a semifinal spot at stake, it turned out to be a bit one-sided as England recorded a huge 119-run win over New Zealand. While Jonny Bairstow scored his second century on the trot, Roy continued his brilliant form with a well-paced 60 to put up their 10th-century partnership. However, the middle order didn’t live up to expectations as England ended scoring just 305 in the end. However, Vettori has a different perspective on the situation.

“For the second game running England have produced an incredible performance under pressure so hats off to them. Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy set the tone at the top of the order, and probably deceived everyone into thinking this was a 360-run pitch. New Zealand did well to restrict them, but the last 20 overs of their innings were probably a better reflection of the wicket,” he wrote in his ICC column, reported scroll.in.

What looked like an achievable target ended up being a bit too much as they lost their top four batsmen with just 69 on the board, courtesy brilliant spells by their opening bowlers Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes apart from a fortuitous run-out. From there, there was no recovery as they were bundled out for 186.

“Then I thought that Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer were exceptional with the new ball. Their lines and lengths were impeccable and New Zealand just lost too many wickets early to have any chance of chasing it down. There will be some frustration at the way those top four went, all four wickets were avoidable and that ended their hopes,” Vettori added.

The match put an end to the group stage campaigns of both the teams who have had pretty contrasting fortunes of late. While it was a second straight win for the hosts after a winless streak of two, the Black Caps recorded their third consecutive loss after a positive streak of six. This means Pakistan could still leapfrog them but it would take a herculean effort, to say the least. 

“From a New Zealand perspective, it is not ideal to have lost three in a row, even if they are still pretty much assured of a semi-final place. The fortunate thing for them is that they go into a knockout game at Old Trafford, which is traditionally a very good wicket,” opined Vettori.

“Despite the three straight losses, I don’t think it will affect the team too much, particularly knowing some of the guys well. They have six or seven individuals who can win a game for them, and that is a pretty exciting way to think about it,” the legendary spinner signed off.

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