The last of the World Cup quarter-finals takes place in Wellington, as Pool A winners New Zealand play fourth-placed in Pool B the West Indies for the right to play South Africa in the Auckland semi-final next Tuesday. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 11:40am (AEDST).
In what has been a flawless campaign thus far, the pressure is now on New Zealand to live up to a favourites tag seldom used to describe the perennial overachievers of world cricket.
Such a tag both compliments and insults New Zealand – think of the virtuoso performers the Black Caps have produced over the years. Juxtapose this alongside a formidable World Cup record, where they have reached the semi-finals six out of the previous ten editions.
How such a proud cricketing heritage can be so readily associated with the somewhat condescending tag of ‘overachievers’ is anyone’s guess.
In contrast, the West Indies are a side whose identity is based on idealistic glory, but their current reality is rooted to pessimistic survival. For many, the West Indies have achieved plenty by simply reaching the quarter-finals – that speaks volumes for both their own downward spiral as well as a format that rewards mediocrity over consistency.
At home and on paper, New Zealand begin as overwhelming favourites. If concerns persisted about several of the Black Caps’ personnel being ready to handle the pressure of the World Cup knockouts, these were summarily quashed by the tight win over Bangladesh in their final group game.
Players the ilk of Martin Guptill, Corey Anderson, Grant Elliott and Ross Taylor finally got the batting time they have been consistently denied by the brilliance of Brendon McCullum. The bowling continues to be led wonderfully by the Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Dan Vettori triumvirate, but New Zealand’s possibly weaker fourth bowling option is yet to be fully exposed.
Both Adam Milne and Mitchell McClenaghan have been underused, but more importantly unable to back up the pressure asserted at the top of New Zealand’s bowling. The Black Caps may opt to stick to one of the youngsters, or insert the experienced Kyle Mills during the knockouts.
The West Indies’ outside chances of causing a boilover largely lie on the broad shoulders and even broader bat of Chris Gayle. Having missed the final group game against UAE, the opener’s return is essential to any hope the Calypso Kings can shake New Zealand off their early rhythm.
At the other end, Johnson Charles may be retained at the top after a positive show against UAE at the expense of the out-of-form Dwayne Smith. More is required from the middle order that is yet to show it can survive both a Gayle failing as well as the absence of Darren Bravo.
The bowling has been far better, and in the swing-friendly conditions of the ‘Cake Tin’, the Windies will be well served with a five-pronged pace attack comprising Jerome Taylor, captain Jason Holder, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell and Darren Sammy.
Yet much rests with Gayle to deliver or chase the score West Indies require to cause the first shock exit of the World Cup.
New Zealand should have little trouble in disposing the West Indies and progressing to a tasty semi-final meeting with South Africa. To prevent this, the West Indies’ ambitions rest on two key points – a Gayle run-feast and stopping Brendon McCullum from performing likewise.
Bobbo7
Guest
True. Randomly, he is my millionth cousin or whatever. Distant, but I'll take anything.
Jo M
Guest
Definitely true and it was a great win, not saying it wasn't. I just like the way the Windies came out to take it on, that is the way they play.
taylorman
Roar Guru
It's because that's the only perceived advantage they can think of. psychologically it was true for oz who said they were nervous as a side, and it showed. So there is a precedent for it but at least the Kiwis are aware of that, have seen the impact of a large enough partisan crowd on a side...two if three times now in NZ wins so they'll hopefully be prepared. If it's India it isn't so bad. The other thing is this side is the most mentally strong kiwi side I've ever seen, previous situations they would have folded more easily. McCullums exit for example would have caused them to drop heads but here they found resolve, battled through it, and overcame it. Seen it time and time again.
Prosenjit majumdar
Guest
Again that typical tactically blunt west indies display.but yes this time they went all out in the chase and provided entertainment.
Rupert O'Snear
Guest
The real final will be on Tuesday between NZ and South Africa. The other match will be a non-event. An absolute anti-climax. Where is this other fund-raiser being played after the Indians play an up and coming Sydney Technical Second XI?
raz
Guest
*And all those at a strike rate of over 90 for kohli.
raz
Guest
So there are plenty of players who have 21 hundreds at the age of 25-26 ,@ an average of 51??? And not to mention the highest average while chasing at nearly 90? Williamson would do well to get half those numbers by the time he is 30,let alone 26. Sometimes i really wonder what you are on about vas.
Sandy
Guest
Guptill got lucky, he should have been out on 4. Terrible drop that.
Jack
Guest
I don't think it will be a huge shock. They've known all along if they get to the final it will be over there. And they'll just treat it like they would travelling to Australia for a one dayer. The crowd of course will be supporting Australia but I don't think this kiwi team will get to the ground and suddenly be overwhelmed by it all, they seem to be thriving on the build up and intensity of the Cup.
Frank O'Keeffe
Guest
South Africa must be wary of Kevin Skinner in the next match - New Zealand unleash him when they get desperate!
taylorman
Roar Guru
Wishful thinking I suppose as no real basis for that. India look ready to deal with anything over there as well.
Wii
Guest
Are you absolutely sure? The Kiwis were in a totally different class to the W.i
Rob McHugh
Roar Guru
I know the conditions will be the same - particularly in Melbourne as opposed to Brisbane or Perth - but it's just a little psychological thing. Time Zone, More neutral crowd, bigger ground... But if they come and wallop teams here fair play to them, they've probably been the best team. Hilarious stat from the game though - Chris Gayle hit 56 runs in boundarys out of 61. More sixes than singles. What a brute.
Kia Kaha
Roar Guru
Has there ever been a more nonchalant outfield take than Vettori's effort. I'm still chuckling over his reaction bordering on contempt...
Sylvester
Guest
People keep saying this but based on what logic? Most of the squad has played in Australia and the conditions aren't that dissimilar to NZ.
Jerry
Guest
Yeah, but they'll be playing India....
Bobbo7
Guest
But they didn't Jo M. WI lost by 143 runs, great win for NZ. McCullum and Williamson did nothing and they still won easily
Rob McHugh
Roar Guru
Can't help but feel playing in Australia might just be a bit of a shock to the kiwis.
Sylvester
Guest
The Windies had a crack and it didn't pay off. Getting knocked over in 31 overs, regardless of the run rate, is nothing to be happy about if we're honest. I doubt SA would be that foolish to try the same but if they feel they want to bat at 8 an over and get bowled out for 250-odd, I'm sure NZ would take it.
Jo M
Guest
Not trying to be brilliant. They took to all the bowlers and the only one that actually stood up was Boult. The rest were nothing to be concerned about based on today only. Southee had one good game where he got 7 wickets or something and since then? Not much at all. You can never discount Vettori and nobody would, but 21 off 1 over from him? Windies showed it can be done and the SA players would have watched that with interest.