Will Williamson Lead The Kiwis To T20 World Cup 2024 Title? New Zealand SWOT, Team Rating & Prediction

Williamson will lead NZ in T20 WC 2024 [X]

To the delight of cricket fans across the globe, the much-awaited T20 World Cup is around the corner. With twenty teams set to battle it out for supremacy, the ninth season of the tournament is expected to be cracking and enthralling. 

Talking about New Zealand, the BlackCaps have been one of the most consistent sides in the tournament of late. However, despite qualifying for the semifinals in the previous three editions, the Kiwis couldn't add a single World Cup trophy to their cabinet. 

In Kane Williamson's leadership, New Zealand seems to be a formidable side going to the World Cup. Can they break the knockout jinx and clinch the title? Let's analyse and find out.

New Zealand squad for T20 World Cup

Kane Williamson (C), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee. Travelling Reserve: Ben Sears

Strengths

Strong top four

Mitchell will be NZ's player to watch out for [X]

New Zealand's top-four, comprising Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell, is one of their strongest suits. 

While Allen capitalises on the field restrictions in the powerplay, Conway and Williamson can anchor the innings with perfection. 

Meanwhile, Daryl Mitchell's ability to switch gears makes him an asset as a number four batter. Considering his recent form, the batter is expected to emerge as New Zealand's most potent weapon with the bat. 

Lethal new-ball bowling

New Zealand have a formidable new-ball bowling trio, studded with Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Matt Henry. 

While Southee and Boult can swing the new ball up front, Henry's ability to seam the ball both ways makes him valuable. 

An all-round spin attack

The BlackCaps have an underrated yet effective spin bowling unit, studded with Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, and Michael Bracewell. 

Santner has been a proven match-winner with his left-arm off-spin, while Sodhi can be useful with his leg break and googlies. 

Meanwhile, Bracewell brings incredible all-round value to the table as he can chip in with crucial runs besides being effective with his off-breaks.

(Effectiveness of Santner and Sodhi in middle overs)

Plenty of multidimensional players

The likes of Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman are valuable assets for the Kiwis as they can contribute pivotally with bat and ball. The presence of such multidimensional players makes New Zealand a robust T20 side on paper.

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Weakness

Vulnerability of lower middle order

New Zealand's lower middle order will likely comprise Phillips, Chapman and Neesham alongside Santner. 

These players are good enough to score cameos. But if the top-order has a bad day in the office, none of these guys are reliable enough to bail the team out of trouble. So, their vulnerability with the bat could emerge as a concern for the Kiwis in the World Cup.

Opportunity

To jump the final huddle and break the jinx

Despite entering the ICC events with formidable squads, New Zealand haven't won a single title in the last 24 years. So, this World Cup gives them a golden opportunity to punch above their weight and jump the final huddle to end the trophy drought.

Threats

Poor form of Conway & Ravindra

Ravindra had a horrendous IPL 2024 [X]

The abysmal batting form of Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway is definitely a huge concern for New Zealand ahead of the T20 World Cup. Conway will likely open the batting alongside Allen, while Ravindra will be his backup. 

However, both players have recently sustained a rough patch, making things tougher for the Kane Williamson-led side. So, their poor form could be the biggest threat to New Zealand as they gear up for the mega event.

(Conway and Ravindra's poor T20 form since Jan 2023)

Team Rating

Prediction

Considering their strength and overall balance, we expect New Zealand to qualify for the semifinals. However, they aren't the title contenders and it will be Williamson's biggest achievement if he leads this team to the World Cup trophy. 

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