New Zealand are on the brink of early elimination and will need a significant turnaround in their performance as they face tournament co-hosts West Indies in a crucial T20 World Cup match. The encounter, set to take place at the Providence Stadium, comes after a shocking defeat for New Zealand in their opening match against Afghanistan.
Since 2015, New Zealand has been the most consistent team in World Cups, reaching the semi-finals in all six editions – in 2015, 2019, and 2023 for the ODI World Cup, and in 2016, 2021, and 2022 for the T20 version. They made it to the final three times, but they never won. However, they face potential elimination after only one match at the 2024 T20 World Cup. Afghanistan’s 84-run hammering means their game against the West Indies is nearly a foregone conclusion.
In their tournament opener, New Zealand’s batting lineup collapsed dramatically, resulting in the team being bowled out for just 75 runs in 15.2 overs. Afghanistan capitalized on this collapse to secure an 84-run victory, leaving New Zealand with the lowest net run rate in Group D at -4.2. This places New Zealand at the bottom of the group standings, putting their chances of advancing in jeopardy.
This precarious position is unexpected for a team known for its consistency in World Cups. However, in their match against Afghanistan, only two New Zealand batters managed to score in double digits. The Kane Williamson-led side will need to significantly improve their batting performance to pose a challenge to the West Indies.
In contrast, the West Indies are in a strong position, with a Super Eight berth within reach if they secure a third consecutive win. The hosts began their campaign with a hard-fought victory over Papua New Guinea and followed it up with a dominant 134-run win against Uganda, bowling out the latter for just 39 runs.
WI vs NZ Head-to-Head
West Indies and New Zealand have faced each other 19 times in T20 Internationals, with New Zealand emerging victorious in 10 matches, while West Indies have won 4. The teams have also seen 3 matches end in a tie and 2 with no result. In their most recent encounter, West Indies claimed a decisive victory, winning by 8 wickets in Kingston in 2022.
WI vs NZ Team News
West Indies are expected to field the same XI for the third consecutive game, maintaining the lineup that has brought them success so far. In contrast, New Zealand may make a couple of changes, with James Neesham potentially replacing Mark Chapman and Ish Sodhi coming in for Matt Henry.
WI vs NZ Pitch Report
This is the first official match of the tournament at the Brian Lara Stadium, which previously hosted several warm-up games. Traditionally, it is not a high-scoring ground, with an average first-innings total of 167. Fans can expect another relatively low-scoring contest. Tarouba received a significant amount on the eve of the match, although the prediction for match day did not indicate a downpour. The weather is forecast to be comfortable, with temperatures hovering around the late 20s (degrees Celsius).
WI vs NZ Probable Playing XI
West Indies Probable XI
Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Roston Chase, Rovman Powell (c), Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie.
New Zealand Probable XI
Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
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