ICC World Cup 2019 – 1st Semi-Final: IND vs NZ – New Zealand Predicted Playing XI

After dominating the initial part of the tournament, New Zealand’s campaign in the World Cup 2019 has got slightly derailed. The team lost its last three games to Pakistan, Australia and England by quite huge margins. Thus, they fell down on the points table to the fourth position. However, New Zealand should consider themselves quite lucky as their NRR was intact after these losses.

They just about made it to the knockouts and will face table-toppers India in the first semi-final. Ahead of this game, there are a few injury concerns looming around for the Kiwis. Also, there are some issues to be addressed with the batting as if was really poor and let them down in all of the last three games. Hence, we could possibly see some changes made to the eleven that played England a few days ago.

Here is the Predicted Playing XI for India:

Openers (Colin Munro, Martin Guptill)

The openers have been the biggest concern for New Zealand in the tournament. None of the three options that they’ve tried thus far delivered. But at the same time, they do not have too many alternatives to look at. There is a possibility of sending Tom Latham as one of the openers and slotting Tom Blundell in the middle order.

But, they wouldn’t want to risk such a move at this stage of the tournament. Martin Guptill is a certainty as one of the openers. The Kiwis might bring back Colin Munro as the other opener. There isn’t much of a choice to make as both Munro and Henry Nicholls haven’t played much cricket. But the former has spent more time in the middle thus far and could be preferred.

Middle Order (Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wk))

It was not a pleasing sight to see Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor get run-out in the last game. They form the crux of the New Zealand batting order and must be more responsible. Both these players cannot afford to throw their starts away and they must get big scores in the semi-final if New Zealand is to fancy a chance against India.

Tom Latham looked out of touch for a majority of the tournament. But in the last game, he ensured that he spent some time in the middle and has possibly gained his confidence back. The 57 that he scored should put him back on the track and New Zealand needs him to deliver in the semi-final.

All Rounders (James Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner)

James Neesham has been good in both the departments of the game. But it’d be great if he maintains a better consistency with the bat. The same thing applies to Colin de Grandhomme as well. These two players have got immense potential and should look to make the most out of it.

Moreover, they are extremely handy with the ball as well. Williamson has used their services extremely well depending upon the situations and the conditions. Mitchell Santner could get to open the bowling to try and exploit some weaknesses of Rohit Sharma. If he manages to get the better of him, the Blackcaps would be way ahead in the match as Sharma has often taken the games away from the oppositions.

Bowlers (Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson)

If they have to choose between Matt Henry and Tim Southee, New Zealand will definitely prefer the former. There doesn’t seem a possibility that Ish Sodhi will come into the side for this game. Trent Boult will have a massive role in this match. In the warm-up game, he picked up a four-wicket haul against India and was excellent.

With some of the Indian batsmen uncertain against left-arm seam bowlers, Boult will look the make the most of it. Lockie Ferguson might return to the side. Head coach Gary Stead backed him to be fit in time and that will be a huge boost for New Zealand.