Two teams in two very different colours, based in two very different parts of the world, with two very contrasting histories and two very dissimilar starts to their ongoing T20 World Cup campaign.
As match no. 26 of the ICC men’s T20 World Cup commences, everything in Group C will be on the line. A group of 5 had three initial contenders for the top 2 / Super 8 spot. A double win for Afghanistan, which included a massive 84-run victory over the Kiwis, has almost ensured them a guaranteed next-stage qualification, which means the head-to-head game of West Indies vs New Zealand is no less than a virtual knockout.
If the West Indies win, they will officially qualify, while for New Zealand, it will be a matter of formalities because they will only have Uganda and Papua New Guinea to play thereafter.
On losing, West Indies will still have a chance to make it through by defeating Afghanistan in the next fixture, while if New Zealand loses, they’ll be more or less out of the race.
New Zealand
Far away from anything they expected, far away even from anything their opposition might have anticipated. Blackcaps’ first game at T20 World Cup 2024 was nothing short of a choke-up.
The track of Guyana on 8th June might have reminded them of what they themselves did against India in the 2016 T20WC.
The decision not to play any warmup games before the event was indirectly reflected in New Zealand’s performance.
Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan combined for 8 overs, 33 runs, and 6 wickets against the Kiwis.
New Zealand’s vulnerability against spinners needs to be addressed; otherwise, we will all be witnessing one of the worst performances from a very consistent side in the last 15 years of ICC tournaments.
West Indies
The primary host of the tournament, the West Indies, has gone past the easy work of their group stage. Heavy wins against Uganda and Papua New Guinea strengthened the team’s net run rate, and they now have to defeat at least one of New Zealand or Afghanistan for the Super 8 qualification.
While Papua New Guinea gave them a slightly unexpected challenge by taking the run chase till the 19th over for the men in maroon, the win against Uganda was one-sided.
West Indies have a home advantage that can be used reasonably. With spinners like Akeal Hossain, Gudakesh Motie & Roston Chase, a spin web can be built against the opposition on the given slowish Caribbean surfaces.
As evident from their first game, New Zealand is a vulnerable opposition against spin. The trio of Chase, Hossain, and Motie will be the biggest deciding factor in the match’s outcome.
Probable Playing XIs
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson (c), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson
West Indies: Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran, Roston Chase, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hossain, Alzari Joseph, Gudakesh Motie.
Players To Watch Out For
Kane Williamson
New Zealand is in trouble, and who else is better to put your eyes on than their captain, Kane Williamson? Time and time again, the Kiwi skipper has proven his worth in must-win games. Despite his not-so-great overall T20 batting, Kane has rarely disappointed his fans when New Zealand need him the most.
The Innings of 61(35) against Ireland in 2022 and the unforgettable 85(48) against Australia in the 2021 T20 World Cup final. The past has enough proofs showcasing this great man’s ability to stand up on significant occasions.
This Thursday might be no different, New Zealand need the result to be on their side. All eyes will be on Kane Williamson again. He is the player to watch out for.
Nicholas Pooran
The hard-hitting, elegant Caribbean has been in brilliant T20 form in leagues for over two years.
While Pooran’s first game of the tournament was not great, he did show some fine touch, hitting three sixes against Uganda.
The focus shifts to a bigger game now, and West Indies will need much more than cameos from him in upcoming games.
New Zealand’s key spinner, Mitchell Santner, will be the right matchup for Nicky P to take chances against in this game. The battle between these two and Nicholas Pooran’s whole performance will be something to watch out for in New Zealand vs West Indies.
WI vs NZ Dream11 Team for Match 26 of T20 WC 2024
Wicket Keeper: Nicholas Pooran
Batters: Brandon King (c), Kane Williamson (c), Rachin Ravindra
All-Rounders: Andre Russell, Roston Chase, Mitchell Santner
Bowlers: Alzarri Joseph (vc), Trent Boult, Gudakesh Motie, Lockie Ferguson
Note: This is not our final Dream11 Team, as we are not aware of the Toss Result and Final Playing XI at this moment.
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