T20 World Cup 2022: SWOT analysis of New Zealand squad

Kane Williamson's New Zealand were contesting the final of the T20 World Cup 2021 in Dubai against Trans-Tasman rivals Australia less than a year ago. The Kiwis faced defeat at the hands of Australia in the final comprehensively. Fast forward to October 22, and the Black Caps humbled the Aussies at the SCG in the curtain raiser of the Super 12 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022. 

New Zealand's defeat in the T20 World Cup final at the hands of the arch-rivals made them rethink their strategy in the shortest format of the game. The Kiwis decided to turn their attention to the young and upcoming talents from the country in an attempt to bolster their squad. 

While Williamson was one of the shining lights in a disappointing finale for the Kiwis last year, the Kiwi skipper has been struggling with form lately and couldn't impress much in the opening fixture against Australia with a run-a-ball 23.

Strengths:

The exuberance of youth 

It would've been almost criminal to think that Martin Guptill, the third-leading run-getter in T20Is, would be benched in the shortest format of the game. But such has been the rise of the young Finn Allen that he has forced the veteran opener to the sidelines. 

The 23-year-old has been a revelation at the top of the order for the Black Caps with an impressive strike rate of 166.99 during the field restrictions. His striking ability makes him an invaluable asset to the team since his strike rate is the highest among the batters, with ten innings under their belts since March 2021.

Allen played an instrumental role in helping New Zealand get off to a flyer in the game against Australia with his 16 ball 42-run knock, including five fours and three sixes.

The 'T' factor

New Zealand's biggest asset in the ICC event are their two veteran quicks, Trent Boult and Tim Southee. Capable of troubling the batters at any venue, the duo will have extra potency on Australia’s pace-friendly pitches. The experienced campaigners have a wealth of experience in playing in these conditions which are similar to back home.

Southee is now the highest wicket-taker in the format with 125 scalps to his name and will look to add to the tally in the upcoming matches of the mega event. He bagged figures of 2.1-0-6-3 and was the key in New Zealand's win over Australia in their tournament opener on Saturday, October 22. Boult was also impressive as he picked up two wickets in his quota of four overs.

Weaknesses

Williamson's form since his return from a lengthy spell on the sidelines is a matter of concern for the team management and it didn't improve in their tournament opener either. While Williamson's postive attitude and leadership skills have been one of the pillars of New Zealand's success in the recent past, his lean run with the bat raises a few questions about his credentials in the shortest format of the game.

Since the final against Australia last year, the Kiwi skipper has managed only 420 runs in 20 T20 innings at a below-par strike rate of 105.26.

Injuries galore

The defeat to Pakistan in the tri-series final earlier this month would've hurt the Kiwis, but not as much as the unfortunate injury to middle-order stalwart Daryl Mitchell. While the team does have able replacements in terms of talent, Mitchell's resolve and grit during unfavorable circumstances are what make him an astounding asset to the team. Although he is deemed to play a part in his side's Super 12 campaign, the team management will be keeping a close eye on his fitness.

The third wheel

New Zealand's Achilles heel in the ICC events has been their lack of depth in the bowling department. Southee and Boult are two of the best in the business, but they cannot shoulder the responsibility entirely on their own. Lockie Ferguson missed last year's tournament due to injury and the availability of Adam Milne has also been scarce recently due to his injury woes. The duo has been included in the squad for the tournament but its fitness level remain a concern for the Kiwis.

Opportunity

Allen's emergence is one of many success stories for the Kiwi side, which includes several aging players. Glenn Phillips is another batter, who has impressed with his swashbuckling power-hitting abilities in his brief stint with the national team.

This year's competition will provide an opportunity for Ferguson to finally nail his place in the limited-overs side. The rapid pacer is an exceptionally talented bowler but has often broken down due to injuries. His ability to dish out unplayable thunderbolts in the later stages of the game makes him one of the most lethal death bowlers going around.

Threats:

Despite playing in favourable conditions, the biggest threat to New Zealand's chances this year is the destination of the tournament. The Black Caps' form down under is downright atrocious with the Kiwis suffering a whitewash in last month's Chappell Hadlee series against Australia. 

Prior to the win over Australia on Saturday, October 22, New Zealand had failed to defeat their nemesis in any of three formats in the country since 2011. 

Having said that, if they can get past that mental block and click as a team like they did last year, they will be one of the teams to beat in this year's edition.