New Zealand T20 World Cup preview: Kiwis eyeing to break runners-up curse

As the T20 World Cup gets underway, there will be only one thing on New Zealand's mind: To break their runners-up curse in limited-overs finals.

The Blackcaps will be led by Kane Williamson at the marquee tournament and will begin their campaign on June 08th against Afghanistan.

In the 2021 edition, Williamson & Co. lost to Australia in the final while they were semifinalists in 2022. This year, amid a contest between 20 teams, the Kiwis are placed in Group C with Afghanistan, West Indies, Papua New Guinea and Uganda, of which Afghanistan and West Indies can prove to be a challenge.

Their real fight for the cup will begin if they qualify for the Super 8 and go on to encounter tough competition from the likes of India and Australia.

Chasing their maiden T20 World Cup title, the Kiwis have assembled a well-rounded squad with depth in all disciplines which is the prerequisite for tournament success.

The Blackcaps will be led by seasoned skipper Kane Williamson, playing his sixth T20 World Cup and fourth as captain.

New Zealand have depth and variety in their spin and seam attacks. The batting lineup also is experienced and deep, featuring both power and grit.

Tim Southee will lead the seam attack in his seventh Twenty20 World Cup, supported by Trent Boult in his fifth. Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson will make up the rest of the specialist pacers.

They have a host of all-rounders, that add to the strength of a team. Daryl Mitchell and Jimmy Neesham can double up as fast bowlers while another proven spin all-rounder Mitchell Santner will lead the way for the team's rank-turners.

The one notable omission in the New Zealand squad is that of a specialist wicketkeeper. Wicketkeeper Tim Seifert was omitted but Devon Conway and Fin Allen can take up the role as and when required.

However, a slight issue troubles the Kiwis. Conway goes into the tournament with a thumb injury and Allen with a recent back injury but head coach Gary Stead is confident they will be fit in time in time for New Zealand to begin their campaign.

Other factors of importance in a world tournament are the conditions and schedule. New Zealand is well placed when it comes to the first; 13 of the squad members played in their last tour to the West Indies and six played in the Caribbean Premier League.

NEW ZEALAND T20 WC SQUAD:
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.

NEW ZEALAND FIXTURES:
New Zealand vs Afghanistan, 14th Match, June 7, 5 AM IST, Providence
New Zealand vs West Indies, 26th Match, June 13, 6 AM IST, Tarouba
New Zealand vs Uganda, 32nd Match, June 15, 6 AM IST, Tarouba
New Zealand vs Papua New Guinea, 39th Match, June 17, 8 AM IST, Tarouba