Fate though had other plans and this means New Zealand remain in fourth place
New Zealand players during a practice session in Bangalore yesterday.
Glenn Maxwell did a huge favour to New Zealand by single handedly defeating Afghanistan. At 91 for 7, Afghanistan were on course to register a massive win over Australia which would’ve moved them to fourth on the points table and drastically improved their net run-rate as well. Fate though had other plans and this means New Zealand remain in fourth place.
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The qualification scenario for the Black Caps is simple: Defeat Sri Lanka and then hope that either Pakistan or Afghanistan do not defeat their respective opponents (England and South Africa) by a big margin.
Currently, rain is the biggest threat to NZ’s semi-final hopes. Weather apps are predicting a 90 per cent chance of rain in Bangalore today. If rain does play spoilsport and both teams end up sharing points, it will make things relatively simpler for Pakistan, who then just have to defeat England to go through while Afghanistan still have to worry about net run-rate.
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At the pre-match press conference, captain Kane Williamson confirmed that all 15 members of the squad are fit and available for selection. It’s a huge relief for a side that has been plagued by injuries. Considering the way the pitch played in the last game against Pakistan, Lockie Ferguson should be a certainty to make a comeback in place of Ish Sodhi. Kyle Jamieson could also be in the mix, possibly in place of Mark Chapman.
A campaign that started in immaculate fashion has had a reality check in a matter of two weeks. It would be a shame if the Black Caps miss out on semi-final qualification due to the weather, but they will also look back at a number of lost opportunities in their last four games, opportunities that World Cup-winning teams need to grab. From being one wicket away at having a crack at India’s lower order to being one shot away from chasing down 388. From choosing to bowl first against a South African team that love to set targets to being helpless against the Fakhar-Babar combo.
Four years back, it was plain luck that saw them return home empty-handed. Champion teams don’t rely on luck. They grab it by the horns and turn it their way.
It’s time the nicest guys in world cricket show their steely side and make their own luck.
Meanwhile, let’s start singing rain, rain, go to Spain.
Rahul Patil, a Wellington-based Indian-born writer, is following NZ’s fortunes at this World Cup
New Zealand players during a practice session in Bangalore yesterday.
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