New Zealand SWOT, Strongest Playing XI: Kane Williamson's Men Eager To Claim Maiden World Cup Title

New Zealand faces several challenges in their quest for the ultimate glory but their resilient spirit, coupled with a well-balanced squad, could ultimately work in their favor.

New Zealand SWOT analysis: New Zealand's cricket team is yet to win the elusive ODI World Cup trophy despite having reached the knockout stage in the last four consecutive editions. Among their many near-misses, New Zealand ending up as the runners-up in 2019 ODI World Cup in England was the most notable. This year might be the opportunity when the Kiwis clinch a well-deserved World Cup title. While New Zealand faces several challenges in their quest for the ultimate glory, their resilient spirit, coupled with a well-balanced squad, could ultimately work in their favor. 

ODI World Cup 2023: New Zealand's Strength

New Zealand's cricket team's impressive track record includes three appearances in ICC tournament finals: two 50-over World Cup finals in 2015 and 2019, as well as the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2021. This demonstrates their ability to perform exceptionally well on the global stage.

In the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 in India, New Zealand boasts a well-balanced squad featuring exciting talents like Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Glenn Phillips, as well as experienced stars such as Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, and Trent Boult, who provide a solid foundation for the team.

New Zealand's bowling, including the spin department, appears to be well-equipped with players like Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi. Additionally, they have fast bowlers like Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry to complement the skills of Boult and Southee. 

ODI World Cup 2023: New Zealand's Weakness

Overall, New Zealand’s ODI record in India is: only 18 wins from 61 matches with 47 losses and two games ending without any result.

Besides, captain Kane Williamson is yet to fully recover from injury he suffered during IPL 2023 and is set to miss New Zealand’s tournament-opener against defending champions England in Ahmedabad.

Williamson's performance in ODI World Cup 2023 could determine the fortunes for the Kiwis. Not just he is New Zealand's captain but also their best batters in ODIs irrespective of where or in what conditions the Kiwis play.

Opportunity

ODI World Cup 2023 tournament is the final chance for legendary Kiwi players Kane Williamson, Trent Boult and Tim Southee to win maiden ICC ODI World Cup trophy for New Zealand.

Threat

Stats suggest that New Zealand suffer a dismal record on Indian soil, especially in ODIs. The Kiwis even struggled during their recent away series against Asian sides, including India and Pakistan, in 2023. Kane Williamson recently recovered from his injury and his fitness remains a major concern for New Zealand. Senior bowlers, Tim Southee and Trent Boult, both aged 34, will face the task of adapting to flat wickets that may not necessarily suit their style of fast bowling.

New Zealand's strongest XI for ODI World Cup 2023: Will Young Devon Conway Kane Williamson (C) Daryl Mitchell Tom Latham (wk) Glenn Phillips/Mark Chapman James Neesham/Rachin Ravindra Mitchell Santner Trent Boult Matt Henry/Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson

New Zealand ODI WC Squad: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.