New Zealand has a reputation for resilience and clinical execution. Head coach Rob Walter believes the Black Caps’ “street-smart” quality will prove decisive against England as they compete for a T20 World Cup semi-final spot.
Friday night’s Super 8 clash in Colombo offers a very different scenario. England are already in the last four and New Zealand control their destiny. A win would see them advance to the semi-finals as top of Group Two. However, a defeat could see the game restart and Pakistan’s chances of net run rate are slim to none if they beat Sri Lanka by a huge margin on Saturday.
New Zealand were 84/6 against Sri Lanka on Wednesday before skipper Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie staged a remarkable comeback to take the team to 168/7. It proved to be the cornerstone of their emphatic 61-point victory over their co-hosts. Walter attributes this to the team’s excellent problem-solving skills.
“We’ve always been great problem solvers,” he said. “We have the street smarts to quickly read a situation and find what works.” This flexibility is crucial for Premadasa Stadium’s spin-friendly cornering track.
New Zealand’s slow bowlers – Santner, Ratchin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips and Cole McConchie – will test the England batting order led by their unstoppable skipper Harry Brooke, who is likely to occupy the No. 3 spot after a Test win against Pakistan.
However, Ravindra, who finished with career-best figures of 4/27 against Sri Lanka, is not taking anything for granted. “You always have confidence, especially when you know what the road may offer,” he said on the eve of the race. “But it would be foolish to underestimate England. They are a good team with world-class batsmen.”
However, England will be hoping Jos Buttler rediscovers his touch. The veteran has had a tepid performance so far in this tournament, scoring 36 points in five innings. England’s spinners, including Will Jacks and Liam Dawson, will add intrigue to the tactical battles. On a tacky surface, even 170 might prove to be the winning total.
Ravindra asserted that New Zealand was ready to fight. “We will gain confidence from the last game,” he added. “This is a new challenge. We have to be ready again.”
