Strongest New Zealand Playing 11 for T20 World Cup 2024

New Zealand has always punched above their weight in ICC tournaments and more so in the T20 World Cups over the years. They played the final of the T20 World Cup 2021 and even played the first semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2022.

The New Zealand Cricket Board retained much of the core that was named in the T20 World Cup 2022. Only Fin Allen and Rachin Ravindra are the two new additions to the squad that played in the T20 World Cup 2022. The rest of the core is very much the same. 

There is no change in captaincy either While most sides have named a new captain, New Zealand has backed Kane Williamson to lead the side. He has not played too many games in the IPL but remains the leader and one of the key batters for the Kiwis in the T20 World Cup 2024. 

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New Zealand kicks off their campaign against Afghanistan on June 7 in Guyana and plays their next three matches against West Indies (June 12), Uganda (June 14), and Papua New Guinea (June 17) in Trinidad. 

Strongest New Zealand Playing 11 for T20 World Cup 2024

Batters: Devon Conway (WK), Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Finn Allen

Conway will open with Rachin Ravindra for the Kiwis. They can also open with Conway and Allen to maintain the right and left-hand batting combination. Kane Williamson can then slot in at three with Rachin Ravindra at four or vice versa. Williamson's leadership will be a key factor in New Zealand's campaign this season. 

All-Rounders: Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner 

Two seam-bowling all-rounders and two spin-bowling all-rounders make up the middle order for New Zealand. All of them are capable of making more than handy contributions with the bat. Phillips is a brilliant fielder to add to his batting and bowling credentials and so is James Neesham.

Mitchell got regular opportunities with CSK this season and has given a glimpse of his abilities with the bat and ball. There are enough bowling options within the top six as well. 

Bowlers: Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson 

Boult and Southee will be the new-ball bowlers. The left-arm pacer gets the ball to swing early and has consistently taken wickets within the first over of the match. he does this with great regularity giving his team a big edge. Southee hits the deck and gets good height on his deliveries apart from, getting the ball to swing which is his biggest strength.

Lockie Ferguson is the death-over specialist for the Kiwis. They have used him in that role over the years. His knuckleball and slower deliveries and two of his greatest strengths during the final overs. Apart from these bowlers, the Kiwis have other options like Matt Henry and Ish Sodhi giving the bowling attack that variety that is needed as well. 

New Zealand played the first semi-final and lost it against Pakistan. Though they have not yet won the T20 World Cup, this squad is capable enough to win them the tournament. As always they will be the dark horse heading into this tournament.

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