New Zealand are a very strong team at home but yet to prove themselves away from home soil.

By Waseem Ahmad (25th May, 2017)

In the last six months, NZ has defeated Bangladesh 3-0 and then Australia 2-0 at home but lost closely fought series by 3-2 to a strong South African team. Although they haven’t been as prolific away from home having lost a series in Australia 0-3 and India 2-3, they can still prove to be a force to be reckoned with in English conditions.

New Zealand’s overall record at previous Champions trophy tournaments is rather impressive having won the 2000 edition in Kenya, being runner up in 2009 and semi-finalists in 2006. However, none of these impressive performances came in the previous two outings in England editions.

The BlackCaps' batting is heavily reliant on their opener Martin Guptill and captain Kane Williamson. Guptill played a memorable innings of 180* off 138 balls against South Africa earlier this year and has a habit of making huge hundreds. Kane Williamson has emerged as the most consistent New Zealand batsman, averaging 45.92 and could end up being best ever batsman produced by New Zealand. Ross Taylor has had a decent year so far with hundreds against South Africa and Australia; despite being inconsistent at times, he surely strengthens the middle order.

New Zealand has the luxury of quite a few hard hitting all rounders like Corey Anderson, James Neesham and Luke Ronchi. Tim Southee and Mitchell Santner can always contribute with the bat in lower order as well.

Fast bowling is definitely New Zealand’s strength with Trent Boult, Adam Milne and Tim Southee having the capability to demolish most batting line ups. Their pace, seam and swing will be perfect for English conditions. Colin de Grandhomme also possesses great variety for English conditions and can prove to be a decent option. Ever improving left arm spinner Santner adds variety to the attack and many all round options are available if any of the front-line bowlers have a bad day.

Fielding has always been New Zealand’s strength and this team is no different with the likes of Latham, Williamson, Guptill who rarely have off days in the field.

Their 3 group games are against Bangladesh, England and Australia. Going by their current form and English conditions, the BlackCaps may start as favourites against Bangladesh, despite the recent loss to the Tigers in the tri-series final. They are likely to find it difficult to defeat a strong England team in England so their game against Australia may prove to be a deciding factor to proceed to semi finals. They have a strong chance of making it to semi-finals and even winning the tournament if their middle order contributes as much as their top order.

Strengths

Pace attack, all rounders and fielding.

Weaknesses

Inconsistent middle order.

Verdict

Likely to reach the semi finals.

New Zealand squad for Champions Trophy

Kane Williamson (C), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Neil Broom, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Jeetan Patel, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor

Discuss!