New Zealand lock horns with India for the WTC final from June 18th. We look through the predicted playing 11 of New Zealand for the WTC Final
The grand finale of the foremost edition of the World Test Championship is going to be loaded with tons of excitement. The two big guns India and New Zealand will face off against each other for one last time to lift the title at the Rose Bowl Southampton on 18-22 June.
New Zealand will enter the arena with a slight edge over India having played two test matches against England, giving them adequate game ideas to tackle certain situations. Also, the given fact that Virat and co failed as they were trashed for 2-0 by Williamson and co in the test series at home last year.
Their 20 member squad for the final is as follows
Kane Williamson (C), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Doug Bracewell, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryll Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Will Young
WTC Final New Zealand Playing 11
Let’s go through the ideal playing 11 of New Zealand for the WTC final.
Openers: Tom Latham and Devon Conway
The left-handed batsman Latham is the vice-captain of New Zealand who has scored 680 runs in eleven games with an average of 40 in WTC so far and will guide their team with a solid opening partnership along with his partner Devon Conway. Meanwhile, Conway smashed his maiden double-century against England in his debut game, placing his best foot forward for the WTC final.
Middle- Order: Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling
Captain Williamson leading from the front for New Zealand has smashed 817 runs from just nine games in the WTC. Kane did struggle against the duke and currently is in lack of form, but the skipper knows well to make a strong comeback on big occasions.
Ross Taylor has not produced any magical innings but Skipper Williamson and Gary will back the experienced Ross considering his role in him to soak in the pressure given at crunchy situations.
Henry Nicholls has been stalling tall with Kane moulding a strong batting line-up. He has smashed a few hundred in WTC, but the team will require contributions from all the men to shield the team from any quick downfall.
BJ Watling will be entering the turf for one last time for New Zealand aiming to contribute for the team to emerge victorious. The right-hand batsmen will be crucial for the kiwis’ success.
All-rounders: Colin De Grandhomme and Mitchell Santner
The inclusion of their number one all-rounder provides a ton of value as he can score runs quickly and provides the pace attack which offers valuable breakthroughs. Meanwhile, Santner can be effective on the dry pitch as he edges Neil Wagner. Also, the team aims to have an extra batting option for the finals.
Bowlers: Kyle Jamieson, Trent Boult, Tim Southee
The 6’8 tall is having the superior form scalping 36 wickets from six games at an average of 13.25 and is a healthy option with the bat too considering Kyle made his first appearance against India back in 2020.
Trent Boult will produce his thunderbolts on Indian Batsmen with his swinging deliveries back into the right-handers. Boult can be deadly enough to rattle Indian line-up with finesse.
The ace-pacer Tim Southee will breathe fire as he is the highest wicket-taker for the Kiwis. Southee can be menacing in the England conditions as he possesses the ability to swing the ball in both directions.