Virat was due for something special: New Zealand great on IND vs PAK

New Zealand (Source: AP)

In the last 6 ICC events, which consisted of every Test-playing nation, one side made it to the knockouts five times out of six occasions. No, it isn't the giants of South-West Pacific; it isn't the 'Three Lions' or the Asian Brobdingnagian. A country of mere 50 lakhs, a community where cricket was first discovered by the great scientist Charles Darwin and the current owner of the World Test Championship maze.

Yes, New Zealand is the team, and with the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup on the roll, they have already stunned the hosts, their Trans-Tasmanian rival, by beating them by a margin of 89 runs. However, despite kickstarting the marquee event in a rosy fashion, there are quite a few grey areas that could be a massive talking point as Kane Williamson's army trod through the glitterati event.

That said, Glenn Pocknall (coach of Wellington Firebirds/ NZ coach for BAN and PAK series 2021) spoke to 'OneCricket' in an exclusively candid interview regarding Virat Kohli's amazing knock versus Pak, Kane Williamson's strike rate, Mitchell's injury update and much more.

Good Morning, Glenn. Skipper Kane Williamson seemed to have clocked back in form with a fifty against Pakistan in the Tri-series final. But is his strike rate a concern for the team?

"It's great to see Kane Williamson getting some form right when it matters. He is a world-class player and for New Zealand to go deep into this tournament it's important he continues leading from the front using his experience and skill. 

"New Zealand have so many players around Kane that can put their foot down and Daryl Mitchell coming back into the team will only enhance that. As long as there are batters at the other end scoring at a good rate then it shouldn’t be a concern."

Daryl Mitchell (Source: AP)

But Daryl Mitchell’s injury must be a huge setback for the team, you reckon?

"I believe he won't be too far away from playing. He missed the first one, not sure if he misses another. He will be right back in the team soon. At the last World Cup, he showed immense ability by winning games for the team with the bat."

How much pressure does Mitchell's absence bring to the the NZ middle order- Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Dane Cleaver, Jimmy Neesham etc?

"They will look at it as an opportunity to step up and perform and if they do a good job then that could solidify a spot somewhere else in the order when Mitchell comes back. The BLACKCAPS need to be picking players in form and players they believe will win them matches so I'm interested to see how those players perform."

How do you rate Devon Conway and Finn Allen's pair, your proteges in the 'Wellington Firebirds'?

"With New Zealand using Finn Allen during the recent tri-series against Pakistan and Bangladesh it signalled he is, along with Conway, the first-choice openers. They have forged a very impressive record and partnership at the domestic level while I was coaching Wellington and they complement each other well with their different approaches and are always a fan of having a left/right combo to start."

Finn Allen (Source: AP)

Pour down your emotions on Finn Allen's body language against the Aussies?

"He was clearly of the mindset that he was going to play the ball on his terms and this was evident in his positive body language and presence at the crease. Just having a focus on himself and what he was trying to execute is him at his best and he now has to show the world his capabilities against a very good bowling line up."

Three young faces - Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, and Kane Williamson’s cousin, Dane Cleaver who has been added lately. Tell us a few traits about them, that the cricket fraternity should know.

"Finn Allen is a young tearaway who plays on impulse and wants to score. That makes for an entertaining power play and on the flatter surfaces in Australia I'm looking forward to seeing him produce some special moments with the bat.

"Michael has toiled away at domestic level for a long time and has slotted in to international cricket so well. It's no big surprise after having worked closely with him for 5 years and seeing his calm, measured process translate from domestic cricket to international cricket.

"Dane is another very experienced domestic cricketer and has performed so well in this arena. His short-form game keeps going from strength to strength and has the ability to help all areas of the ground."

Virat Kohli (Source: AP)

Reactions on IND vs PAK game and Virat Kohli's innings of a lifetime?

"I had a feeling Virat was due for something special and what a special innings it was. Hopefully, it’s inspired the rest of the India batting lineup to produce more match-winning moments like that."

With Lockie aka. Lachlan Ferguson, returning from injury, do you feel New Zealand should stick with him in the first XI? 

"It's looking like the conditions will determine what the makeup of the seam attack is and if it's a hard fast surface where they don't anticipate swing then we could see both Ferguson and Milne playing together along with Trent Boult. However, if they feel the swing is going to have an impact it would be Boult, Southee, and one of either Ferguson or Milne. With Ferguson's record and recent IPL form, he got the inside running, and could get going in some more."

Australian turfs are known for it’s pace and bounce, do you think the duo of Tim Southee and Trent Boult might get outplayed for clocking less than 138 kmph on some occasion? 

"They both have good skills in terms of being accurate and bowling changeups. If the pitches are not offering them then it will challenge these skills."

One last question- Your final predictions for the Semi-Finals of ICC T20 WC and who do you see as the title-clinchers?

"So hard to pick as there are a lot of great sides and already seen massive upsets in the first few rounds. 

My top four would be: England, Pakistan, India, and New Zealand"

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