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New Zealand can go one step closer to sealing top spot in Group A with a win over Afghanistan on Sunday morning in Hamilton. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 8:45am AEDST.
Following the dramatic and euphoric victory over Australia in Auckland, a week may prove the ideal break for New Zealand as they enter the home stretch of their group stage campaign.
No side has done more to claim early favouritism than the Black Caps, even if the win over Australia nearly slipped from their grasp. Only India can claim the same undefeated tag that New Zealand possess this tournament.
While the temptation may be to cite Brendon McCullum’s pyrotechnic batting at the top of the order as the reason for their dominance, their bowling has been the foundation of New Zealand’s success, and is likely to be so going forward.
When Sri Lanka were knocked over for 233 on the opening day, few pondered that would remain the highest score mounted against the Kiwis three outings later. Indeed, no side has managed to survive the full 50 overs against Messrs Southee, Boult, Vettori et al. With such statistics, few will place money on Afghanistan being the first.
The challenge for New Zealand is self-imposed. While comfortable wins are at the offing both against Afghanistan and then Bangladesh next Friday, the main concern may be the lack of testing cricket that has come their way. While Mike Hesson is unlikely to veer away from the XI that has served him well thus far, rotation among the batting line-up is likely to ensure adequate match practice is had by all. Indeed, Ross Taylor is central to this, with only 29 runs from four digs, while Grant Elliott’s contributions have been limited to 58 runs and four wicketless overs.
The other concern is the lack of death-bowling match practice. While Daniel Vettori demonstrated his worth against Australia, there will be an eagerness to test this element of New Zealand’s game to maximum capacity before the knockouts begin. Yet whether either Afghanistan or Bangladesh can survive that long is another notion altogether.
Afghanistan have been this World Cup’s fairytale, capped off with a maiden win in this competition against Scotland. Having thudded back to earth in Perth against Australia, no let-up is likely on a potentially juicy Seddon Park.
Any hint of an upset is likely to come via the Afghan bowling, with both Shapoor Zadran and Hamid Hassan cranking up the speed gun with regularity. Such optimism might be fanciful – the likes of James Anderson and Mitchell Johnson both felt the sheer force of a Brendon McCullum barrage. Afghanistan will do well to dismiss the Kiwi captain and avoid similar damage.
The batting remains the concern, especially against Tim Southee and Trent Boult. Surviving 50 overs will be the ultimate achievement, while should Afghanistan bat first, they will know that a score 200-plus may give New Zealand their first proper chase this tournament, which the hosts may be grateful for.
With no signs of inclement weather, New Zealand should wrap up top spot comfortably with a win, while completing 50 overs and dismissing McCullum early will give Afghanistan a plus point that no team has yet managed against the Black Caps.
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