T20 World Cup 2021: Match 32 – New Zealand vs Scotland Match Preview, Playing XI and broadcast details

With all due respect to Scotland, this is New Zealand's chance to bolster their NRR.

Published - 02 Nov 2021, 20:58 IST | Updated - 02 Nov 2021, 20:58 IST

3 Min Read

The T20 World Cup 2021 has entered into its final league phase as the race to make it to the semi-final is heating up. Group 2 of the Super 12 round has been comparatively easier for the top teams. But with Afghanistan performing superbly and with their NRR also at the top, they have kept New Zealand on their toes. It goes without saying that India are in a must-win situation and only have an outside chance to make it to the knockouts but they will have to depend on the result of this match to some extent as well.

The Kiwis put on a perfect performance against the Virat Kohli-led side on Sunday and they would be keen on quietly going about their job. Most importantly, they have their fate in own hands after earning two crucial points in the previous game. Kane Williamson and his troops are generally known to come up with set plans for the opposition batters and execute them to the perfection.

But one has to be cautious while facing teams like Scotland especially in the T20 format. The shortest form of the game tends to throw up surprises which will definitely keep the Black Caps on their toes. Meanwhile, Scotland haven’t been able to replicate their Round 1 form in the Super 12. They succumbed to the spin of Afghanistan in their first game and then Rubel Trumpelmann’s left-arm seam bowling trumped them early against Namibia.

No wonder they will be hungry to perform well at the big stage as they seldom get a chance to face top-class teams. Namibia have already impressed with their show in the tournament and Scotland will definitely be looking to do the same. But for that to happen, their poor batting has to improve and come together to put up or chase a significant total on the board.

Pitch and Conditions

Win the toss, bowl first and chase down the total. This has been the template in Dubai. But this is only the second afternoon game at the venue. Not that the template changed in the only game, but at least it gives a fair chance to both the teams to have a shot at victory with dew not impacting the game. Having said that, the team winning the toss should bowl first.

Playing Combination for NZ vs SCO

New Zealand

New Zealand have no reason to change the winning combination. But there could be a concern around Mitchell Santner batting at number seven going forward. For now though they look set to field an unchanged playing XI.

Probable XI: Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (C), Devon Conway, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult.

Scotland

Kyle Coetzer attending the pre-match presser clears that he is fit to play this game having missed out against Namibia. Coetzer has some form issues to sort as well and what better than find it against one of the most efficient bowling attacks. They might consider bringing in an extra spinner in Hamza Tahir with New Zealand having four right-handers in their top six and also with this being the afternoon game.

Probable XI: George Munsey, Kyle Coetzer (C), Matthew Cross (WK), Calum MacLeod, Richie Berrington, Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Josh Davey/Hamza Tahir, Safyaan Sharif, Bradley Wheal.