Win Projections to be updated soon
New Zealand, determined to surpass their impressive runner-up finish in the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, has unveiled its 15-player squad for this year’s edition. The squad announcement took place at Papatoetoe High School in Auckland, a fitting location for leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, one of the selected players.
A Special Moment
The 30-year-old Ish Sodhi’s inclusion adds depth to the Kiwi lineup, and he joins forces with the seasoned campaigner and skipper, Kane Williamson. Williamson’s presence in the squad became official recently after a remarkable recovery from a ruptured ACL during the 2023 IPL. Joining them is the fast bowler Tim Southee, marking his fourth appearance at the World Cup.
New Zealand’s head coach, Gary Stead, acknowledged the challenging decisions he had to make while finalizing the squad. However, he believes that he has achieved the perfect blend of youthful enthusiasm and seasoned experience needed to excel in the tournament, set to take place in India.
Stead remarked, “It’s always a special time to name a tournament team, and I’d like to congratulate the 15 players selected today. It’s a great honor to represent your country at a World Cup.”
The Right Mix for Success
Stead further emphasized the significance of finding the right balance in the squad, ensuring they are well-prepared for a highly competitive tournament. Selecting players for an ICC event always involves tough decisions, and inevitably, some players may be disappointed. Nevertheless, the primary goal was to assemble a squad with a harmonious mix that covered all aspects of the game.
“The key for us was finding the right balance for the squad and making sure we had our bases covered for what is going to be a very competitive tournament,” Stead explained.
The New Zealand side is set to face England and Bangladesh in the One Day Internationals (ODIs) before engaging in a tantalizing clash with England once again. The World Cup opener, scheduled for October 5, will be a rematch of the thrilling 2019 final.
New Zealand squad for the World Cup: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
