A little too late into the competition, New Zealand finally asserted their authority in this T20 World Cup, albeit in an inconsequential game against Uganda. The two losses earlier in the tournament, along with West Indies and Afghanistan collecting three victories each, meant that New Zealand couldn’t make it to the next stage – the first time that they won’t be part of a limited overs World Cup semifinal since 2014. They’ll be eager to put that behind them and end their campaign with another facile win when they face off against Papua New Guinea.
The likes of Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway failed in the first two matches, which had a huge bearing on New Zealand’s fortunes as they could not chase down 159 against Afghanistan, being bowled out for 75, and fell 13 short of West Indies’ total of 136. However, in the match against Uganda, the bowlers made sure that there was no pressure whatsoever on the top order as they skittled the opposition out for 40, which the Blackcaps chased down in 5.1 overs for their first win. If nothing else, they’ll like to go out with a bang as a farewell for Trent Boult, who has confirmed that this will be his last T20 World Cup.
From PNG’s perspective, they will also be keen to sign off from the competition on a positive note. They started well, running West Indies close after posting a total of 136. They also fought hard against Uganda trying to defend a paltry 77, before their defeat against Afghanistan not only confirmed the Asian team’s Super 8 entry but also knocked New Zealand out in the process. Can they summon all their might and pose a challenge for New Zealand in their final game?
When: Monday, June 17 at 10:30 AM Local Time (8:00 PM IST)
Where: Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad
What to expect: The matches played here have all been low-scoring encounters so far and another bowler-friendly contest can be expected. On the weather front, there is a high chance of rain affecting the game, with thunderstorms forecast on the match day.
Teams watch
New Zealand: Among the New Zealand players, only Ish Sodhi hasn’t got a game in this World Cup yet and they might look at giving him a go, in place of Mitchell Santner. Matt Henry who has played only one game so far, is another option perhaps in place of Lockie Ferguson.
Probable XI: Devon Conway (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson (c), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner/Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson/Matt Henry.
Papua New Guinea: Jack Gardner and Hila Vare haven’t got an opportunity yet in this World Cup and PNG might look at including them for their final game.
Probable XI: Tony Ura, Assad Vala (c), Lega Siaka/Jack Gardner, Sese Bau, Hiri Hiri/Hila Vare, Chad Soper, Kiplin Doriga (wk), Norman Vanua, Alei Nao, John Kariko, Semo Kamea
What they said:
“There’s a lot of pride in the dressing room and playing for the country. We’ve had some great records across the however many years and it’s something that we don’t look at too much. We come here to do a job and perform the way we know how to perform and play the game in the way that we want to play it. Unfortunately, we’ve been off the ball over the last couple of weeks and that’s what it takes to not qualify. So, it’s unfortunate but I think there’s still some tremendous talent inside that dressing room and coming through the ranks in New Zealand cricket. So, we’re a proud nation and I think it will continue to go that way” – Trent Boult, New Zealand pacer.
