New Zealand will have a great opportunity to build on the momentum as they take on a depleted Scotland on Wednesday in Dubai. The Blackcaps are coming into this game on the back of a sensational bowling performance against India and would look to stretch their lead over their subcontinental counterpart in this game.
The Kiwis bowling unit was on song and thoroughly dominated a formidable Indian batting order to restrict them to 110/7 in 20 overs.
Scotland on the other side, have struggled in the Super 12 stage and have lost both the matches that they have played so far. Moreover, it’s been their batting order that has struggled. In the previous clash against Namibia, the top-order just got dismantled like a pack of cards and it was Ruben Trumpelmann, a left-arm pacer who scalped three in the first over.
New Zealand have Trent Boult, a much more experienced plyer of a much bigger stature.
While for the Kane Williamson-led side, it would be a chance to continue form, Scotland have an uphill task of getting themselves back on track.
Match Details
New Zealand vs Scotland, Match 32, Super 12 Group 2
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
Date & Time: 3rd November at 3:30 PM IST and 2:00 PM Local Time
Live Streaming: Star Sports Network and Disney+Hotstar
Pitch Report
The teams batting second have had the edge at the venue. The seamers will have something on offer from the track and can play a prominent role in dominating the opposition. So, if you win the toss, field first.
Trent Boult: A cause of concern for Scotland
New Zealand pacer Trent Boult is one bowler who can create some problems for the top order. The Scotland batting unit went haywire after Trumpelmann unleashed that bowling performance in the first over. The horrors of that particular over would still be afresh in Scotland batters’ minds and it would be very important for them to negotiate that.
New Zealand’s opening stand
The Blackcaps have a chance to fine-tune that one issue which they have faced in the first two matches and that is the opening stand. Martin Guptill and Daryl Mitchell have given steady starts to the side but they now need to capitalise on that.
The two batsmen put 36 against Pakistan and 24 vs India respectively for the first wicket. The team management would now want them to put some more runs on the board to provide the team with a solid foundation.
Kiwis’ strong batting order
The New Zealand side has one of the most stable batting unit. While Guptill and Mitchell can provide them with steady starts, Williamson has his work cut out to stay as long as he can at the crease. Apart from him Conway’s ability with the bat is known to everyone.
Probable XI
New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway (wk), Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult
Scotland: George Munsey, Kyle Coetzer (c), Matthew Cross (wk), Richie Berrington, Calum Macleod, Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Josh Davey, Safyaan Sharif, Brad Wheal
CE Fantasy XI
Devon Conway, Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson (VC), George Munsey, Calum Macleod, Richie Berrington, Mitchell Santner, Daryl Mitchell, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi (C), Mark Watt