Team New Zealand Preview - Resources 1X, Expectation 1X, Performances 1.5X

New Zealand has always entered ICC tournaments as dark horses,or as one of those sides who have enough depth and firepower to upset one of the favorites on their day. They have been one team who has never been reliant on any superstar. Considering their access to funds, resources and talent, an economist would be proud of the way they have optimized the use of whats available to them. 

Historically, they have always packed a punch above their weight having made it to 6 Semifinals & 1 Final respectively in 11 World Cups. They are the only team who have been in the top 4 in the last 3 editions of the World Cup. Under the aggressive captaincy and brand of Cricket played by Brendon Mc Cullum they were just one step away from their maiden championship in the last World Cup.

The top order trio of Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson & Ross Taylor has been their core strength. The presence of multiple all-rounders like James Neesham, Mitchell Santner & Colin De Grandhomme adds a lot of depth & gives them the option to play different team combinations. Trent Boult, Tim Southee & Lockie Ferguson have all been reasonably good when it comes to bowling with the new ball, but for Kiwis I think death bowling is a going to a major concern.

With scores of 300 being breached regularly in England, the white ball playing conditions mirror to those in New Zealand. The only difference between England & New Zealand would be the the size of the grounds, like the area of a drawing room of a house in a metro city versus a tier 2 city.

Likely XI
1) Martin Guptill
2) Colin Munro
3) Kane Williamson
4) Ross Taylor
5) Tom Blundell
6) James Neesham
7) Colin De Grandhomme
8) Mitchell Santner
9) Trent Boult
10) Lockie Ferguson
11) Tim Southee/Ish Sodhi (depending on the how much assistance likely to spinners)

Bench
1) Tom Latham - He is their first choice wicket keeper, should be drafted into the XI, subject to fitness
2) Matt Henry - Reserve Fast Bowler
3) Henry Nichols - Reserve Middle order batsmen. He could easily play ahead of Colin Munro as an opener.

Verdict - Going by their track record, they should make it to the Top 4. But I think they hold a 50% chance to make the Semi Finals