So New Zealand are in the semifinals of the World Cup once again. But the statement they sent out on Saturday should sound alarm bells for South Africa. It is not just a dream come true for Martin Guptill, but for the entire New Zealand side. The brutality with which their openers have strategised their game plan has been breathtaking to watch. Taking on the bowlers at the top and unsettling them early in the innings seems to be their strategy so far in the World Cup and I see them continuing it as they have been successful in doing so. They have been aggressive with the bat and that seems to be the collective attitude of the side. One among Brendon McCullum, Guptill and Kane Williamson have done the job for them so far at the top and when your top three are amongst runs then there is always a strong possibility of winning the matches.
The grounds in New Zealand are not that big, but to face 163 balls and score 35 boundaries (24x4, 11x6) is not an easy task. They have a very good squad at their disposal and things are falling in place for them.
Their bowlers have been equally up to the task. Left-arm pacers have had a unique tournament as they have had plenty of success in this World Cup. Trent Boult has developed a killer instinct. He is always on the attack and is looking for wickets. It is a good thing to have in modern-day game especially when the odds are against the bowlers. To run in hard and go for the wickets irrespective of the match situation shows the mentality of the Kiwi attack. Tim Southee, Adam Milne and Mitchell McClenaghan can all clock good speed and their pace attack is as potent as Australia’s and can cause trouble to any side on a given day.
One of the stories that has been underplayed has been the comeback of Daniel Vettori. He hadn’t played too many matches in the last year or so. But to bring back an experienced player like Vettori for a big event shows how their team management covered all bases. Who ever took the call to bring him back deserves a lot of credit and to see Vettori bowl so well has been remarkable.