teams-nz sport cricket-world-cup Virgin Media
Recent results include a solid showing in the ICC Champions Trophy before exiting in the semi-final, followed by a drawn ODI series at home to Sri Lanka. Currently ranked fourth in the world and having made it into the Super Six stages of the World Cup in 2003, the Black Caps are certainly the dark horses of the tournament this time around. Loaded with useful all-rounders, a young top-order and some handy pace-bowlers, New Zealand will miss the big-hitting expertise of the recently retired Nathan Astle. They share Pool C with England, Kenya and Canada so should go undefeated in the group stages.
The New Zealand institution that is Stephen Fleming, undoubtedly the most tactically-minded captain in world cricket today, has led his team to many a win in the face of relative adversity. His batting is awesome when in full swing but the left-hander can be inconsistent sometimes.
All-rounder, veteran spinner, occasional skipper, call him what you want, Daniel Vettori has done the job for his nation time and time again. Worthy of his veteran status, his skilled left-arm spin and more-than-capable lower-order batting provide New Zealand’s WC ’07 hopes with some serious all-round firepower.
A key figure when the Kiwis whitewashed Australia in the recent Chappell-Hadlee series, McCullum is a six-hitting swashbuckler rated by many as the world's finest batsman-keeper. As reliable as any number six or seven could be when quick runs are needed.
A semi-final exit in mid-April will be as good as it gets for Fleming and company.
