18 February,2011 05:48 PM IST | | Sports Team
Never a team of super talented cricketers, New Zealand have always managed to surprise on the world stage by playing as a cohesive unit and with a penchant for innovation, especially at the World Cups. But their recent form has been woeful and after losing nine of their last 10 ODI matches in 2010, they will certainly not be looked at as one of the potential semi-finalists. The seniors Daniel Vettori, Brendon McCullum, Scott Styris and Ross Taylor will be the key men for them. And if their batting clicks, they are more than capable of defending a total with some disciplined bowling.
Daniel Vettori/ Captain
For some seasons now Vettori has had to single-handedly dig NZ out of a hole on several occasions. It is a wonder that he has been able to do this with reasonable success. Vettori is New Zealand's best bowler and he has also lifted his team with his exploits with the bat at No 8. He epitomises the fight and determination that the Kiwis have used on a number of occasions to win matches and is one of the most respected players in the world.
Having been an understudy to Stephen Fleming for several years, Vettori has picked up the former's captaincy tips and calm leadership. During the past year or so, when NZ cricket hit its lowest ebb, Vettori was the one standing tall amongst the ruins and would walk into any side in the world for his all-round abilities. A true leader.u00a0
Brendon McCullum
An explosive batsman, McCullum has become a shadow of the player that he once was. He still shows his brute side every now and then, but NZ need the flashes to become more regular to make an impact at the World Cup. The flat wickets of the subcontinent should suit him just fine. No problems however, with his wicketkeeping.u00a0
Scott Styris
2The veteran in the NZ line-up, Styris is a brilliant limited-overs batsman and has featured in many memorable wins for the Kiwis in the past decade. With a little over 4000 runs and 128 wickets in ODIs, his pedigree is indubitable, but the morale boost that his presence brings to the team cannot be quantified.u00a0
Ross Taylor
New Zealand's most talented batsman also suffers from the same problem that most of his teammates do. Ross Taylor can smash the best bowlers out of the attack, but he needs to do this with more regularity. He is an excellent fielder and his experience in the IPL should help him in Indian conditions.u00a0
Tim Southee
A young, talented fast bowler Southee has made an impact in a short span. An impressive swing bowler and capable of clearing the ropes lower down the order, there is every chance that Southee could be the best performer for New Zealand with the ball. That's if he can sustain the pressure of bowling on unfriendly pitches throughout the tournament.u00a0
Kyle Mills
The spearhead of the NZ bowling attack, Mills has had a bit of a resurgence in recent years. He was always capable of picking up wickets, but injuries and the subsequent loss of form meant a spell on the sidelines. Since his return though things are clicking for the shaggy-haired bowler.u00a0
Martin Guptill
An elegant left-hander, Guptill has seen a change of fortune since he moved up the order to open the batting in all forms. That and a consistent run have made him a lot more confident. Fifties have come regularly, but it's time he went on to convert them into bigger scores, if he is to create waves in international cricket.u00a0
WC Recordu00a0
1975u00a0- Losing semi-finalists to West Indies.
1979 -u00a0Lost to England in a tight semi-final.
1983 -u00a0Ousted in the first round.
1987 -u00a0Same fate as 1983.u00a0
1992 -u00a0Lost to Pakistan in a superb semi-final.u00a0
1996 -u00a0Lost in the quarter-finals to Mark Taylor's Aussies.
1999 -u00a0Beaten by Pakistan in the semis.u00a0
2003 -u00a0Lost out to Kenya at the Super 6 stage.u00a0
2007 -u00a0Beaten by Sri Lanka in the semi-finals.u00a0
Follow New Zealandu00a0
Feb 20 VS Kenyau00a0
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Feb 25 VS Australiau00a0
Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpuru00a0
Mar 4 VS Zimbabweu00a0
Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad
Mar 8 VS Pakistanu00a0
Pallekele International Cricket Stadiumu00a0
Mar 13 VS Canadau00a0
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbaiu00a0
Mar 18 VS Sri Lankau00a0
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
