T20 World Cup 2021: Strongest New Zealand Predicted Playing XI against Scotland

After losing against Pakistan, New Zealand got a big win against India which was good for their morale without a doubt. But the win also made them contenders to qualify for the semi-final. Now, their next challenge will be against Scotland. The Kiwis should fancy themselves getting two easy points from this game.

However, Pakistan should not take the Scots lightly, as they can even upset a big opposition. Having said that, ahead of this game, the New Zealand team would be upbeat and would like to exert some pressure on Scotland. The net run rate could be a factor at the end of the Super 12, and hence don’t be surprised if the Black Caps go really hard at their opponent.

Here is the predicted XI of New Zealand against Scotland:

1. Openers (Martin Guptill and Daryl Mitchell)

Martin Guptill is a class player and will get the backing of his team management despite his indifferent form in this tournament so far. He scored 20 runs against India, but his team would expect an impactful knock from him against Scotland. Runs under his belt would be a great boost for his side moving ahead in this tournament. 

On the other hand, they have Daryl Mitchell. His promotion to the top of the order has looked like a good decision as of now. He scored a fantastic 49 runs against India and showed why he has been rated so highly. He is also capable of delivering a few crucial overs if and when required. So, don’t be surprised if he turns out to be a match-winner in this game. 

2. Middle-order (Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and Glenn Phillips)

Skipper Kane Williamson got each of his plans spot-on against India in his side’s last game. Tactically he is arguably one of the best in the world, if not the best. With the bat as well, he got an unbeaten 33 runs which should be a good confidence booster for him. One of the decisions which he took going into the game was to throw the wicket-keeping gloves to Devon Conway. 

Conway came to bat when the Kiwis didn’t need a lot of runs in their run-chase. Behind the stumps, he was good as well. Glenn Phillips didn’t take the gloves, a decision which had no bearing given that New Zealand had another keeper in the reserves. It is unlikely that Tim Seifert will return for this game as the playing XI looks pretty sorted for now. 

3. All-rounders (James Neesham and Mitchell Santner)

James Neesham didn’t have to play any role in the previous match, or should it be said that the Black Caps didn’t need him to even do anything in order to beat India. He is an excellent player and will surely be used with the bat, ball, and in the field for the next game.

Mitchell Santner is likely to bat at no. 7 unless something drastically different happens. After his spell of 1 for 33 against Pakistan, he bowled four overs against India for just 15 runs. He would be eyeing a wicket or two against Scotland. 

4. Bowlers (Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, and Adam Milne)

Lockie Ferguson’s loss due to injury might not hurt New Zealand a lot, given how they have formed a formidable trio of pacers. Tim Southee bowled a spell of 1 for 26 against India, resuming his usual services of being a tight bowler. Adam Milne, who came in place of Seifert, didn’t start well but ended with a spell of 1 for 30 in his four overs. 

Trent Boult and Ish Sodhi proved to be match-winners for New Zealand against India. Sodhi, with his whole bag of tricks, took the wickets of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He also bowled a tight spell. Boult will once again be a threat and it should be noted that he picked up three important wickets against India as well.