ICC World Cup 2019: New Zealand Cricket Team – Squad, Schedule, Where To Watch, Players to Watch

New Zealand Cricket team have named a balanced side for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 starting from May 30 in England and Wales. The Kiwis, who have performed consistently in the previous tournaments, but have not won the coveted trophy yet, will look to end their barren run in the cricket’s biggest event.

The Kiwi side have always stayed away from media attention and have done their job. Led by Kane Williamson, this team have played some outstanding cricket in the last 18 months and will look to do what they do best. The form of Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor off-late will keep the New Zealand side in high stead ahead of the marquee event.

Also, the bowling looks good headed by Trent Boult alongside Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson. Ish Sodhi will participate in the playing XI ahead of Mitchell Santner to use the dryness of the wicket.

New Zealand who finished as the runner-up in the last year’s event will look to go all the way this time around when they face Sri Lanka in their opening game at Cardiff on June 1.

New Zealand’s 15-Member Squad:

Kane Williamson (captain), Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Tom Blundell, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Jimmy Neesham, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee, Trent Boult.

Probable XI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Jimmy Neesham, Tim  Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Tent Boult, Ish Sodhi.

Schedule

June 1, 2019 (Saturday)  vs Sri Lanka – 3 p.m. at Cardiff

June 5, 2019 (Wednesday) vs Bangladesh – 6 p.m. at London

June 8, 2019 (Saturday) vs Afghanistan – 6 p.m. at Taunton

June 13, 2019 (Thursday) vs India – 3 p.m. at Nottingham

June 19, 2019 (Wednesday) vs South Africa – 3 p.m. at Birmingham

June 22, 2019 (Saturday) vs West Indies – 6 p.m. at Manchester

June 26, 2019 (Wednesday) vs Pakistan – 3 p.m. at Birmingham

June 29, 2019 (Saturday) vs Australia – 6 p.m. at London

July 3, 2019 (Wednesday) vs England – 3 p.m. at Chester-le-Street

Where to Watch

Batsman to Watch

ROSS TAYLOR

New Zeland will look forward to their senior cricketer in Ross Taylor to deliver at the biggest cricketing extravaganza. Taylor, who is likely to be playing his last World Cup will look to finish on a high. Moreover, he has been in decent form off-late which will be a massive advantage going deep in the tournament.

With the experience he boasts, Taylor will be pivotal batting in the middle order. His ability to rotate the strike at will and change gears makes him a great in this format. Taylor can clear big grounds with ease, and on a given day he can tear apart any bowling attack.

The other Kiwi batters will look to rotate around him and help thier country bring the glory home.

Bowler to Watch

TRENT BOULT

Bowling with so much zeal and passion, Trent Boult is currently one of the best in the business. His ability to bowl at express pace and quick bouncers make him a dangerous bowler across formats. Also, the left-arm pacer has both the swing in his armoury to put the batsmen in trouble.

Boult is currently playing in the Indian Premier League with the Delhi Capitals. Although he has got limited opportunities but has impressed in those games. Bowling in favourable conditions in England, Boult can be a serious game-changer if he can keep the rhythm going.