- New Zealand
New Zealand is the final strongest contender to win CT 2017. In the year 2016/2017, the Kiwis have played a total of 29 matches winning 17, losing 11 and no result once. Under the captaincy of Stephen Fleming, their only win came in 2000 during the ICC Knockout tournament beating India. Their record in CT history is decent playing 21 matches, winning 12, losing 8 and No result 1 with a win percentage of 60. In 2013 edition they failed to qualify from the group stages.
This time the team will be led by Kane Williamson. The key players in their team are Martin Guptill, Â Kane Willamson, Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Mitchell McClenaghan need to play with aggressive intent. Tom Latham, Luke Ronchi, Collin de Grandhomme all need to step up their performances against England and Australia. After the finals of 2015 World Cup, New Zealand have not performed well. They need to aggressive cricket if they have to qualify for the knockout stages.
The other three teams Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka might be the surprise package. Bangladesh will enter the tournament as the sixth ranked team and is clubbed in a tough group while Pakistan and Sri Lanka also needs to play good cricket to qualify for semi-finals. Both of them are clubbed with India and South Africa.
