New Zealand has made it to finals in the last 2 World Cups only to lose the final. Particularly, the scars of the loss in the super-over of the 2019 World Cup will not be healed easily. New Zealand will hope to go one better this time.
Devon Conway and Will Young are relatively new in terms of the number of times they opened together. Conway had a successful stint with the Chennai Super Kings and that will give him a definite advantage of scoring big in the tournament. Young is relatively new, but has impressed one and all in the limited options that he has received. They don't have any backup opener. Rachin Ravindra has opened in one of the warmup games, and that gives us the hint that he could be the backup opener.
Middle order is very strong comprising the trio of skipper Kane Williamson, his deputy Tom Latham, and the man in the form of his life Daryl Mitchell. There was an injury scare and Williamson's participation in the World Cup was in jeopardy, but he seems to be on his way back into the team from the Blackcaps' second match. He will look to continue to build on his rich World Cup record and complete the 1000 runs in World Cups. Daryl Mitchell has been in great form in the last 2 years and his record in ODI cricket is good. On top of that, he also offers a gentle medium pace and can get the crucial wickets. Vice-captain Latham will be leading the side in the first match in the skipper's absence and he is a reliable option to hold one end up if the wickets fall early and he can up the scoring rate when the platform is laid.
Glenn Phillips is the designated finisher for the Blackcaps. He can be very aggressive and can hit big sixes in the death overs. He can also chip in with his off-spin if the conditions favor spinners; plus he can also keep the wickets if the need arises. Basically, he can do anything on the field. Mitchell Santner will also be expected to score a few runs in the late innings.
There are plenty of wicket-keeping options for the Balck caps. Tom Latham is the first-choice wicket-keeper; Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips are also specialist wicket-keepers and they will be the backup keepers in the squad. All 3 of them are likely to feature in the playing eleven.
The return of Trent Boult has bolstered the pace attack of New Zealand; His exploits from the last two world cups played an important role in New Zealand reaching the finals. He will be partnered by Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, and Matt Henry. Southee, like Williamson, was a doubtful starter for the World Cup, but his progress seems to be going and it is expected that he will miss the first 2 matches and will be available for selection thereafter. The likes of James Neesham and Daryl Mitchell will give some medium pace in the middle overs.
Ish Sodhi will be the primary spinner in the team. His recent exploits in Bangladesh will give him confidence going into the World Cup. The secondary spinner role will be performed by Mitchell Santner, a left-arm orthodox bowler. Rachin Ravindra is another spinner, but most likely will be confined to the backup role.
Expectations: They will fight with Pakistan and South Africa to make it to the top 4
15-man squad
Kane Williamson (Captain)
Will Young
Wicket Keepers
Tom Latham (Vice-captain)
Devon Conway
Glenn Phillips
All-Rounders
Mark Chapman
Daryl Mitchell
James Neesham
Rachin Ravindra
Mitchell Santner
Bowlers
Trent Boult
Lockie Ferguson
Matt Henry
Ish Sodhi
Tim Southee
Probable Playing XI
Devon Conway
Will Young
Kane Williamson(C)
Daryl Mitchell
Tom Latham (WK)
Glenn Phillips
Mitchell Santner
Tim Southee
Ish Sodhi
Trent Boult
Lockie Ferguson
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