The ICC T20 World Cup 2022 is hereThe underdogs of all the ICC tournaments over the years are the men in black. New Zealand has always done well in all ICC events and a similar performance is expected at the ICC T20 World Cup 2022. The Kiwis have produced a few greats of the game. Sir Richard Hadlee, Martin Crowe, Stephen Fleming, and Brendon McCullum! All these Blackcaps have left a lasting impression. So, how does the squad shape up like before the ICC T20 World Cup 2022? Here is a look:
New Zealand Cricket Team for ICC T20 World Cup 2022:
Kane Williamson (c), Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, Jimmy Neesham, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, Martin Guptill, Lockie Ferguson, Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Trent Boult, Finn Allen.
Expected Playing XI:
Martin Guptill, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi
Strengths of the New Zealand at the ICC T20 World Cup 2022:
The strength in batting is the top 3. They are a top-heavy batting unit. But they are also a deep batting unit. They have lesser-known names at numbers 6 and 7 but both those men can get the job done. Kane Williamson will have to decide whether Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, or Mark Chapman will open the batting with Martin Guptill. In bowling, the duo of Lockie Ferguson and Trent Boult will bother the opposition a lot.
Weaknesses of the New Zealand Cricket Team at the ICC T20 World Cup 2022:
There is an evident weakness in the middle-overs and the role of a finisher. The role of the finisher is very crucial. The other teams have designated players for this role. Australia is coming with Matthew Wade, India is coming in with Dinesh Karthik, and Sri Lanka is getting Dasun Shanaka. But New Zealand has Neesham and Michael Bracewell. Bracewell has shown that he has what it takes but on the global stage, he is yet to be proven. And who will bowl in the middle-overs with conviction is the question.
Opportunities:
The opportunities will be plenty. The first opportunity is for New Zealand as a team to grab the ICC T20 World Cup for the very first time. The team does have what it takes to go all the way. The players just need to perform to their potential. Lockie Ferguson missed the World Cup last time. He will be keen on showing his skill to the world.
Threats:
The New Zealand team has a history of injuries. In crucial games, we have seen important players out due to injury. Kane Williamson has also been nursing a tennis elbow injury for a very long time. The fans will be hopeful that the intensity of that recedes at the earliest. Lockie Ferguson is also a fragile commodity. Another threat is not being able to find the right combination.
Prediction for the NZ Team at the ICC T20 World Cup:
The team will most probably make it to the Semi-Finals. They will finish second in Pool A behind Australia.
To know more go to ICC T20 World Cup 2022: Pakistan Team Best SWOT Analysis, Squad, Predictions, Schedule. All You Need to Know.
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To know more go to the official website of New Zealand Cricket.