How do you overturn a Net Run Rate of -4.20 especially in a competition where the margin for error is very less? New Zealand’s heavy defeat against Afghanistan could cost them dearly unless they dramatically turn things around. While they are expected to put Uganda and PNG away, this clash against the hosts West Indies is extremely vital if this has to turn into a three-way race for those two spots in Super 8.
New Zealand’s decision to not play warmups did come under the scanner after that loss against Afghanistan. They certainly didn’t look equipped for the challenge and the lack of game time for the likes of Devon Conway and Kane Williamson showed up. That proud run over the last decade in ICC tournaments could come to a screeching halt if they lose to the two-time champions.
West Indies on the other hand have made a pretty good start to the tournament. While this is still their first big test, the wins over Uganda and PNG have given the side a certain degree of confidence as they look to redeem themselves on the big stage. While they did stutter a fair bit against PNG in the run chase, the bowlers shot out Uganda for just 39. A third win on the trot will cement their spot in the final 8.
When: West Indies vs New Zealand, 12.30 AM GMT (June 13), 8:30 PM local time, 6:00 AM IST (June 13)
Where: Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad
What to expect: The last time this venue hosted a T20I, in December 2023, the game turned out to be a low-scoring one. However, two days prior to that, the same venue also produced a game where England made 267 in a T20I. The weather is expected to remain clear.
Team Watch
West Indies
The hosts have no reason to change their winning combination.
Tactics & Matchups:Tying down Andre Russell will be quite the task for New Zealand. The all-rounder has 343 runs in 13 innings at this venue at a strike rate of 157.33.
Probable XI: Johnson Charles, Brandon King, Roston Chase, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Rovman Powell (c), Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie
New Zealand
It will be interesting to see if New Zealand opt to drop one pacer from the XI to accommodate Ish Sodhi.
Tactics & Matchups:Mitchell Santner as a left-arm spinner makes for an interesting match-up against Nicholas Pooran. In the seven deliveries that the left-hander has faced from him, he has been dismissed twice and scored at only run-a-ball. Tim Southee has had the better of the West Indian opener Brandon King in their duels in this format – dismissing him twice in 12 deliveries.
Probable XI: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry/ Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson
Did you know?
–Tarouba has hosted 12 T20s since 2021 with sides batting first winning seven of those. In the four night games here, chasing sides has won three out four.
– Roston Chase has scored 323 runs in 11 T20s in 2024 at a strike rate of 142.29. He has also picked 9 wickets this year.
– Glenn Phillips strikes at 182.16 against West Indies in T20Is
What they said
“If there’s a good time to play New Zealand I think it’s now. They’re a little bit undercooked, the pressure is really on them because this game decides whether they go on yes or no – but having said that we’re not focusing on New Zealand we’re focusing on what we have to do and once you do what we have to do then that will take care of itself.” – WI skipper Rovman Powell
