T20 World Cup 2022, What to expect from the semi-finalists: New Zealand

image-la2rrsgoNew Zealand (Source: AP Newsroom)

Australia putting up 168 runs from their 20 overs against Afghanistan ensured that New Zealand became the first semi-finalists of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022. The scenario arose such because it was not possible for the Aussies to beat New Zealand on Net Run Rate and go ahead of them. 

The Kiwis hit a great from at the beginning of the tournament as they convincingly defeated the defending champions. Since then, they have displayed some decent performances and have marched on to the next round. 

When the contest to be the finalists arrive, what could we expect from the Kiwis?

In order to get an answer to this question we need to take a deep dive in to their performance in the Super 12. 

Analysis of batting performance

Let us look into how the Kiwis have approached batting in the tournament so far.

image-la2p7ivzNew Zealand batting phase wise analysis

Inference

The figure gives us an idea of the general approach of the New Zealand batting. They have gone about building the innings in the powerplay but with a positive attitude. In the middle overs they have maintained their aggressive attitude and also kept an eye on keeping wickets in tact. While in the death overs they have let their power hitters do the job. 

X-factor

New Zealand's approach in the middle overs has been their biggest positive in this tournament. Maintaining a run rate of 8.72, while scoring nearly 50 runs for each wicket is a more than commendable job. 

Most Impactful Batters

image-la2rt46bGlenn Phillips (Source: AP Newsroom)

Here we will try and find out the batters who are leaving the biggest impact for the Kiwi batting.

image-la2q33o0Normalised Impact Score of New Zealand batters 

Inference 

Glenn Phillips has been the most impactful batter for New Zealand in the Super 12s, while Jimmy Neesham has the least impact. 

Analysis of Bowling performance

Let us take a look at how New Zealand have done in the different phases of the match. 

image-la2qq6prNew Zealand bowling phase wise analysis

Inference

The New Zealand bowlers have been quite economical in the powerplay. In the middle overs, they have ensured that the oppositions score less runs than them, but it is the death overs where they have been the best. 

X-Factor

The fact that they have kept their oppositions under control in the middle over has helped them a lot till now. Also, the potency of their death bowling is acting in their favour. 

Most Impactful Bowlers

image-la2rukd3Mitchell Santner (Source: AP Newsroom)

Let us look at who have been the most influential bowlers for the New Zealand team. 

image-la2rgowaNormalised Impact Score of New Zealand bowlers

Inference

Mitchell Santner has been the most impactful bowler for New Zealand in this World Cup. This explains why they have been good in the middle overs. But an area of concern might be Trent Boult not leaving the desired impact in the team's bowling performances. 

How to plan against New Zealand

  • Glenn Phillips will be the key factor in their batting, getting him early will be important.
  • Mitchell Santner can't be allowed to settle into a rhythm.
  • Need to attack the Kiwi batters in the middle overs and prevent them from laying the foundation for the big hitters.
  • Planned death over bowling in order to prevent late acceleration which they have done successfully till now

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2022: Afghanistan's report card