ICC World Cup 2019: New Zealand Can Stun India With A Good Start - Daniel Vettori

Former New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori believes the Kiwis can surprise India if they get off to a good start with bat or ball. Vettori stated that it would be imperative to hit the ground running in the semifinal clash against India. The former left-arm spinner said it would be an ideal start for the Blackcaps if Trent Boult can breakthrough in India’s middle order.

On the other hand, New Zealand hasn’t had a good opening start as Martin Guptill has failed to deliver the goods. The right-hander has scored only 166 runs in the eight matches and the runs have dried up for him after he scored a fifty in the opening match against Sri Lanka. Hence, it would be crucial for the Kane Williamson-led side to get off to a good start.

New Zealand is yet to come up with a complete performance.

“A three-match losing streak can evaporate pretty quickly with a great 10 overs at the start,” Vettori wrote in his International Cricket Council column.

“If New Zealand get off to a great start, with bat or ball, the streak will soon be forgotten.”

Meanwhile, New Zealand isn’t in the best of forms as they have lost their last three matches of the league stage. However, they were able to confirm their qualification on a better Net Run Rate. Hence, the Kiwis have lost the impetus in the fag end of the tournament. Subsequently, it would be crucial for New Zealand to pick up the threads.

Vettori is hopeful that New Zealand opener Martin Guptill will find form at the right time.

“He has done it before so many times, and knowing him as I do, I am sure he can turn it around again and very quickly it will become a different story,” he added.

“Don’t forget he actually started this tournament pretty well with an unbeaten half-century against Sri Lanka, so he doesn’t have to look back all that far for the proof of what he can still do at this level.”

Meanwhile, New Zealand hasn’t yet posted a big score on the board. However, Daniel Vettori believes the team has the skills to put a competitive score on the board. In fact, there is no doubt that Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor will play a big part in getting New Zealand to a par score.

“New Zealand has got all the ingredients in place to put on a big total. I know they haven’t done it yet. The Black Caps have the plan in place to post something big, it just all needs to come together at the right time.”

New Zealand will play India at Old Trafford, Manchester on 9th July in the first semifinal.