New Zealand is one of strong the contenders to win the ICC World Cricket Cup 2019 held in England and Wales. Under the captaincy of Brendon McCullum, the Kiwis reached their maiden World Cup finals in 2015.
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This time, the team will be led by Kane Williamson. At their home soil, New Zealand whitewashed Sri Lanka and Bangladesh 3-0 respectively. When they came against a strong Indian line up, Kiwis were outplayed losing the series by 1-4.
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New Zealand has won only one major trophy beating India in the ICC Champions Trophy played in 2000. New Zealand seems to have found a balance in their squad which is essential heading into a tournament like World Cup.
Kiwis will take on Sri Lanka in their opening match on 1st June.
Here we look at the 5 Key New Zealand players to watch out for in ICC World Cup 2019
1. Martin Guptill
Martin Guptill is an aggressive opener in modern day ODI cricket. He made his ODI debut for New Zealand against West Indies on 10th January 2009. His ability to put the pressure the opposition right from word go makes him a dangerous batsman to face.
He has played so far 169 matches (166 innings) and scored 6440 runs with an average of 43.51. In his ODI career, Guptill scored 16 centuries and 34 half-centuries.
In the 2015 World Cup quarterfinals against West Indies, Martin Guptill was scored 237* off 163 balls with 24 fours and 11 sixes. He was the leading runs scorer in the 2015 World Cup with 547 runs from 9 matches (9 innings) with 2 centuries and 1 half-century.
Guptill had a disappointing ICC Champions Trophy 2017, scoring just 86 runs in 3 matches. New Zealand was knocked in the league stage of that tournament.
So far in 2019, the explosive opener from New Zealand has been in decent form with 464 runs from 10 matches (10 innings) adding 3 centuries to his name and a best score of 138. Heading into the 2019 World Cup Guptill”s form would be vital for New Zealand.
2. Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson will be leading New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup. He is one of the best batsmen in ODI cricket at present. Coming at number 3, Williamson provides stability to the Kiwi batting department.
He made his ODI debut for New Zealand against India in 2010. Since his debut, Williamson has played 139 matches (133 innings) with an average of 45.90.
In the 2015 World Cup, Kane Williamson had a modest outing with the bat, scoring 234 runs from 9 matches (9 innings) with the best score of 57.
After becoming the captain of New Zealand side, Kane Williamson has improved as a batsman. In the 2017 Champions Trophy, he scored 244 runs from 3 matches (3 innings) with the best score of 100. In that tournament, Kane hit 1 century and 2 half-centuries.
In 2019, Williamson has been in good form with 370 runs from 10 matches (10 innings) with the best score of 76 and 4 half centuries.
Kane Williamson will play a key role for New Zealand in the upcoming World Cup 2019. His leadership role complemented with his batting makes him a vital cog in the wheel.
3. Ross Taylor
Ross Taylor is the most experienced player in the current New Zealand ODI side. He made his ODI debut for New Zealand against West Indies on March 1st, 2006. Taylor can play according to the situation and help the Kiwis win matches single handedly.
The veteran Taylor has played so far 218 One day internationals (203 innings) and scored 8026 runs with the best score of 181*. In his ODI career, he scored 20 centuries and 47-half centuries.
In the 2015 World Cup played in Australia and New Zealand, Taylor played a key role in helping New Zealand reach their maiden World Cup final.
In 2017 Champions Trophy 2017 held in England, the veteran Ross Taylor scored 148 runs from 3 matches (3 innings) and the best score of 63. New Zealand was knocked in the first round itself.
Ross Taylor has been in brilliant form so far in 2019 with 593 runs from 11 matches (11 innings) and the best score of 137 which includes 1 century and 4 half-centuries. With the experienced player likely to play his last World Cup, he would be hoping to go one step ahead and lift World Cup once he departs.
4. Trent Boult
Trent Boult is a left arm pace bowler who can swing the ball both ways. He made his ODI debut for New Zealand against West Indies in 2012. In his ODI career, Boult has taken 147 wickets from 79 matches (79 innings) with an economy of 5.07.
In the 2015 World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand, Trent Boult took 22 wickets from 9 matches (9 innings) with best figures of 5/27. He had the same wickets that of Mitchell Starc but due to high economy, Boult finished as 2nd leading wicket taker.
His contributions helped New Zealand to reach the finals of ICC World Cup 2015. In the 2017 Champions Trophy, Boult picked just only 3 wickets from 3 matches ( 3 innings) with an economy of 5.50.
The New Zealand pace bowler is currently the leading wicket in ODI cricket for 2019 so far. He has taken 21 wickets from 10 matches (10 innings) with best figures of 5/21.
In the 2019 World Cup to be played in England, Trent Boult will play a key role to pick early wickets and put pressure on the opposition bowlers with his swing.
5. Tim Southee
Tim Southee, the new ball opening partner with Trent Boult will play a key role for New Zealand in the upcoming World Cup 2019. He made his ODI debut for Kiwis against England in 2008. Swinging English conditions make it difficult to face Tim Southee early on.
In his ODI career, Southee has taken 185 wickets from 139 matches (137 innings) with the best figures of 7/35 against England in 2015 World Cup. During the World Cup 2015, Southee was impressive with his bowling taking 15 wickets from 9 matches at an economy of 5.82.
During the 2017 Champions Trophy held in England, Southee took 5 wickets from 3 matches at an economy of 4.83 runs per over.
Southee has played so far just 4 matches in 2019 and taken 8 wickets with an economy of 6.89 runs per over. With his experience and his ability to hit a few big blows in the lower order, Southee would be extremely crucial for New Zealand”s success.