T20 World Cup 2024: 3 key players to watch out for from New Zealand - Cricket Winner

New Zealand, a prominent all-format heavyweight, is preparing to make another unmistakable impact on the world scene. The initial World Test Championship champions have yet to convert it to the white-ball format. This year gives New Zealand another excellent chance, reinforced by the remarkable form of some of its players and the significant experience acquired in the IPL 2024.

With a mix of experienced campaigners and developing potential, the team is ready to fight the best and end their trophy drought. In the conquest of their first T20 World Cup, here are three vital New Zealand players to watch.

1. Daryll Mitchell

The Kiwi all-rounder, Daryll Mitchell, holds the fort in New Zealand’s middle order and is often entrusted with unleashing his power in the death overs. Mitchell played a crucial role in New Zealand’s 2021 T20 World Cup runner-up campaign, amassing 208 runs at an impressive average of over 35.

His recent stint with the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2024 was equally noteworthy, where he scored 318 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 131. His medium pace can also come in handy. With 63 T20I matches under his belt, he has 1260 runs to his name, and his expertise is poised to guide New Zealand to the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies.

2. Trent Boult

Trent Boult, the Kiwi speedster, is a cricketer who has often shown himself to be a crisis man for the Kiwi arsenal, given that he is frequently charged with bowling tricky overs. He has a remarkable T20I record for New Zealand, taking 74 wickets in 57 matches at an average of 23.98 while maintaining an economy rate of less than eight.

Also, he has recently taken 16 wickets for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2024 season, catching most of his victims with the new ball. Boult’s calm demeanour and ability to hit pinpoint yorkers under challenging situations would undoubtedly benefit New Zealand on the playing grounds of the West Indies and the United States.

Also Read: T20 WC 2024: Player Analysis: How did Hardik Pandya’s precision help India shine against Ireland?

3. Tim Southee

Tim Southee and fellow paceman Trent Boult are set to share the new ball for New Zealand in the World Cup. The seasoned speedster has had numerous white-ball outings in the West Indies and the United States over his illustrious international career, making him a valuable asset for New Zealand’s pace attack in the upcoming global T20 tournament.

Tim Southee is T20I cricket’s best wicket-taker, having taken 157 wickets in 123 appearances at an outstanding strike rate of 17. Southee’s extensive bowling repertoire includes toe-crushing yorkers, smart slower ones, and an astute bouncer capable of deceiving even the most incredible batters in the opposition’s lineup.