World T20 2016: New Zealand Emerging as Tournament Favorites

By: Drcricket7 Staff

It’s quite amazing to see the way New Zealand have performed so far in the World T20 2016 against some of the top teams. They started their campaign with a bang by upstaging the hosts India, the tournament favourites, in the main draw opener.

Then, they went on to restrict Australia from exhibiting their supremacy in the shortest format of the game in Dharamshala. New Zealand third win over Pakistan came in Mohali on Tuesday night, which mathematically secured their place in the semifinals.

From here on, Kane Williamson and his men would look to continue their unbeaten run in the league stage by crushing Bangladesh to top the table. Having said that, this team is also looking to go all the way in the tournament. But realistically, is it a possibility to see the Kiwis making such an impact?

History tells us that New Zealand’s boisterous form in ICC events during league stages isn’t a new phenomenon. In the past, they had the potential to finish on a high, but mostly ended with a bit of disappointment in the knock-out stages.

Last year during the 2015 World Cup was one such occasion when they played the final for the first time. Previously, they had a great run during the 1992 World Cup at home, which ended in the semis.

In a way, New Zealand always produced great cricketers who were underachievers in the World Cups. Therefore, the ongoing the T20 World Championship assumes a greater importance once again for newly built New Zealand team.

This is a good opportunity for the Black Caps to undone the past. Like before, the players are strong in their resolute and have emerged as a hard team to beat.

The Kiwis are close-knit unit, focused, hungry for success and don’t intend to give it away just like that. What they really need is a bit of luck this time.

Cricket wise too, they are all sorted. The team has a good combination of pace and spin, which makes it a strong not bowling unit. As far as the batting department is concerned, it has the right mix of youth and experience.

The fielding standard of the team is equally good. Their captain isn’t scared of experimenting with new things. And like always, they want to put best foot forward – no matter what!