As New Zealand come to terms with their new status of being the favourites to win this ICC World Cup, they would be wary of their terrible record in the knockout stages of all previous World Cups in history. New Zealand have won just one knockout match, that’s it.
As New Zealand Captain Brendon McCullum admits, “There is added pressure because it’s a knockout game, but the game doesn’t change because there is more on the line. We still need to play the attacking brand of cricket, it doesn’t guarantee us success but it gives us our greatest opportunity of being successful.”
West Indies have a great history in World Cups, but haven’t done much of note in the past couple of decades. West Indies are no longer the terrifying team of old, but they do pack quite a punch with their power hitters, starting with the powerful Chris Gayle on top.
Gayle has only done well once in this World Cup, but made a double hundred in that game. New Zealand would be aware of his ability to do the same once again, because on his day, Gayle is the most destructive batsman in world cricket. But he is struggling with a back injury and will be sorely missed if he is force to drop out.
But it is hard to see New Zealand getting beaten. They have the best new ball attack in the world in Tim Southee and Trent Boult, backed by the restrictive spin of veteran Daniel Vettori.
The batting is powerful, with perhaps the best opening batsman in one day cricket in Brendon McCullum at top. In Kane Williamson, New Zealand probably have the most promising young batsman in world cricket. And then there is the destructive Corey Anderson waiting at number 6.
Fast bowler Adam Milne, who missed the last game with an injured shoulder, is set to replace Mitchell McClenaghan. Nobody knows whether Chris Gayle will play or not, as of now. It is possible that West Indies might go for an all pace attack or one with Suleiman Benn as the lone spinner.
The Teams
New Zealand: 1 Brendon McCullum (capt), 2 Martin Gupill, 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Grant Elliott, 6 Corey Anderson, 7 Luke Ronchi (wk), 8 Daniel Vettori, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Trent Boult, 11 Adam Milne.
West Indies: 1 Chris Gayle/Dwayne Smith, 2 Johnson Charles, 3 Marlon Samuels, 4 Jonathan Carter, 5 Lendl Simmons, 6 Denesh Ramdin 7 Darren Sammy, 8 Andre Russell, 9 Jason Holder, 10 Jerome Taylor, 11 Sulieman Benn/Kemar Roach
Match conditions
Wellington is all set for tomorrow’s big match, which will have the whole of New Zealand tuning in to watch. New Zealand has taken to their cricket team in a big way in this world cup and the whole nation expects their boys to win. We expect cloudy conditions in tomorrow’s match, which should offer the New Zealand seamers all the help they need. Thankfully, no rains are expected.
Watch the big Quarter-Final match between New Zealand and Australia tomorrow at 6:30 AM, live on Star Sports.
