New Zealand is set to embark on their quest for their first-ever major white-ball world title as they kick off their ICC T20 World Cup 2024 campaign against Afghanistan on June 7. The Kiwis’ journey leading up to the competition has been a mixed bag, with moments of brilliance interspersed with unexpected setbacks.
The T20 World Cup, scheduled from June 1 to 29 in the West Indies and USA, will see New Zealand competing in Group C alongside two-time champions West Indies, Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea, and Uganda. Their campaign commences against Afghanistan on June 7.
New Zealand’s performance since their semifinal exit in the T20 WC 2022 in Australia has been scrutinized closely. Here’s a recap of their series leading up to the tournament:
– India’s tour of New Zealand (November 2022): India clinched the rain-effected three-match T20I series 1-0. Notable highlights include Suryakumar Yadav’s explosive 111* and Arshdeep Singh’s and Mohammed Siraj’s four-wicket hauls.
– New Zealand tour of India (January-February 2023): India secured a series win by 2-1, with Shubman Gill’s remarkable 126* and Hardik Pandya’s four-wicket haul being standout performances.
– Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand (April 2023): New Zealand claimed the series 2-1, with Tim Seifert’s batting form shining through with two half-centuries.
– New Zealand tour of Pakistan (April 2023): The series ended in a 2-2 draw, with Mark Chapman’s stellar 104* in the final T20I standing out.
– UAE vs New Zealand (August 2023): UAE posed a challenge, losing the first game narrowly and winning the second T20I, with Tim Southee’s five-wicket haul and Chapman’s batting contributions being highlights.
– New Zealand tour of England (August-September 2023): The series ended in a 2-2 draw, with Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips starring with the bat.
– Bangladesh tour of New Zealand (December 2023): Bangladesh won the first T20I, but New Zealand bounced back to win the series.
– Pakistan tour of New Zealand (January 2024): New Zealand dominated, winning 4-1, with Allen’s explosive batting and Southee’s consistent performances.
– Australia tour of New Zealand (March 2024): Australia swept New Zealand 3-0 in the Chappell-Hadlee trophy T20Is.
– New Zealand tour of Pakistan (April 2024): The series ended in a 2-2 draw, with New Zealand fielding an inexperienced lineup.
Leading up to the tournament, New Zealand’s win-loss ratio stands at 15-16. Key talking points include Devon Conway’s form, Kane Williamson’s limited T20I appearances, and the impressive performances of Mark Chapman, Finn Allen, and Glenn Phillips.
Notable performers for New Zealand during this phase include Mark Chapman, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Finn Allen, and Glenn Phillips.
The New Zealand squad for the T20 World Cup comprises Kane Williamson (c), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, with Ben Sears as the traveling reserve.