New Zealand, a formidable force across all cricket formats, is poised to make a lasting impression on the global stage once again. As they prepare to participate in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA, they are widely recognized as one of the top contenders for the title.
In the last three years, New Zealand has excelled in ICC’s white-ball tournaments, reaching two semifinals and one final. Despite missing out on a trophy, they are optimistic about their chances in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024, fueled by the impressive form of their players and IPL 2024 experience.
Combining experienced veterans and promising newcomers, the team is ready to take on the top contenders and end their trophy dry spell. Here are the five crucial West Indies players from this squad who could be pivotal at the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
#1 Finn Allen
Finn Allen had not yet represented New Zealand in senior ICC World Cup events. However, he has participated in youth World Cup tournaments and has made his debut in subsequent editions.
Finn Allen, a dynamic cricketer from New Zealand, is renowned for his aggressive batting style. He made a notable debut for the Wellington Firebirds in the Super Smash T20 tournament in 2018 and has since excelled, finishing as the leading run-scorer in the 2020/21 season.
His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the New Zealand national team, where he made a stunning debut with a quickfire 71 off 29 balls against Bangladesh in March 2021. Additionally, Allen has been a sought-after player in various T20 leagues worldwide, further solidifying his reputation as a promising talent in the cricketing world.
#2 Kane Williamson
As New Zealand prepares for the 2024 T20 World Cup, Kane Williamson, their captain and batting maestro, stands out as their leading ambassador. With 250 T20 matches under his belt, including 89 for New Zealand, Williamson maintains a solid average of 34 in T20Is, with 18 half-centuries to his name.
Under his leadership, New Zealand reached the final of the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, but unfortunately fell short against Australia. They followed up with a top-four finish in Australia the next year, losing to eventual runners-up Pakistan.
With two semifinal appearances in 2016 and 2022, along with a final in 2021, Kane Williamson is determined to guide his team to their first-ever World Cup victory in the upcoming 2024 event. At 34 years old, this may be his last opportunity as captain, adding to the significance of the tournament for him and his team.
#3 Trent Boult
Trent Boult had a standout season for the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024, claiming 16 wickets primarily with the new ball. His impressive T20I record for New Zealand includes 74 wickets in 57 matches at an average of 23.98 and an economy rate of under eight.
Boult played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s runner-up finish in the 2021 edition of the tournament, ranking among the top five bowlers and emerging as the highest wicket-taker among pacers.
Boult is known for staying cool under pressure and is often asked by Kane Williamson to bowl important overs. His skill in delivering accurate yorkers makes him very important for New Zealand in the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA.
#4 Daryl Mitchell
Daryl Mitchell, a key all-rounder for New Zealand, prepared for the 2024 T20 World Cup by scoring 318 runs for the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024, with an impressive strike rate of over 142. The 33-year-old often bats in the middle order for New Zealand and is known for his aggressive batting in the final overs of the innings.
Mitchell played an important role in New Zealand’s runner-up finish in the 2021 T20 World Cup, scoring 208 runs at an average of almost 35. He also showed his ability to handle pressure on big stages by giving Team India a tough challenge in the semifinal of the 2023 ODI World Cup.
With over 200 matches of experience, Daryl Mitchell’s presence will be valuable for New Zealand as they aim for success in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies.
#5 Tim Southee
Tim Southee, T20I’s top wicket-taker with 157 dismissals, will team up with Trent Boult to kick off New Zealand’s bowling in the upcoming World Cup. Southee’s vast experience in white-ball cricket, including matches in the West Indies and the USA, enhances New Zealand’s pace options for the tournament.
In his T20 career, Southee has taken 312 wickets in 256 innings, demonstrating an impressive strike rate of 18. Known for his varied bowling skills, including lethal yorkers, deceptive slower balls, and well-directed bouncers, he poses a threat to opposition batsmen.
In addition to his bowling prowess, the 35-year-old has a knack for scoring quick runs in the death overs, boasting a strike rate of over 140 with the bat and even notching up two half-centuries to his name.
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