ODI World Cup 2023: New Zealand’s strongest predicted playing XI for the tournament

New Zealand (NZ) have always been the bridesmaids and not the bride in World Cup tournaments. They have reached the semi-finals on numerous occasions and even made it into the finals in the last two editions. But have always fallen short and would love to change it in ODI World Cup 2023.

The ICC World Cup 2023 will be played in India from October 5 onwards. 10 venues across the country will host 48 games. Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the tournament opener on October 5 and the final on November 19. New Zealand will play England in the first match of the World Cup 2023. 

Keeping this in mind, we have picked the best possible playing XI for the Black Caps in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023, which has a good mix of batters, all-rounders, spinners, and pacers suited to Indian conditions.  

Here is New Zealand’s strongest predicted playing XI for ICC World Cup 2023:

1. Devon Conway

Devon Conway made his international debut quite late as he had to complete his New Zealand qualification after moving from South Africa. But since his debut, he has become an integral part of the Black Caps unit. He has experience playing in India as he represents Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.

Thus far, Conway has played 22 ODIs, scoring 874 runs with 4 centuries at an average of 46 and a strike rate of 85.51. His highest score is 138 runs. Conway is proficient against fast bowlers as he plays late giving himself time to watch the ball. Against spin, he takes a more aggressive approach and dominates them. 

2. Tom Latham (WK)

Tom Latham is the wicketkeeper for New Zealand and the vice-captain as well. The left-hander will lead the Black Caps side in the first few matches as Kane Williamson aims to reach 100% fitness after his knee surgery. Latham is an excellent batter who merges orthodox batting style with aggression at the top.

He has played 134 ODIs, scoring 3797 runs with 7 centuries and a best of 145* at an average of 34.83. Latham is wonderful against spinners and has often batted in the middle order as well if needed on turning wickets. 

3. Kane Williamson (c)

Kane Williamson is back after recovering from his knee surgery and played a decent knock of 54 in the first warm-up game against Pakistan in the World Cup 2023. However, he has said that he might take a few more games to get ready fully. This means he may not play in New Zealand’s first match of the World Cup against England. 

Also Check: Most Centuries in ODI World Cup 2023

One of the modern greats of the game, Williamson boasts 6554 runs in 161 ODIs. He averages 47.83 and his best score is 148 runs. He has 13 centuries in ODIs and 42 fifties. As captain, he would want New Zealand to go all the way this time and lift the trophy. 

4. Daryl Mitchell

A big hitter in every sense, Daryl Mitchell can play both finishers and can accumulate runs if needed. The burly all-rounder has batted up the order for New Zealand and the results have been very good. He pushes the scoring rate during the middle overs when spinners and all-rounders are employed.

In 29 ODIs, Mitchell has made 4 hundreds and 3 fifties with a best score of 129. He has 1025 runs and 13 wickets in the format. A lot will depend on Mitchell, as he brings a lot of power to the table with the bat for New Zealand. 

5. Mark Chapman

Another player who emigrated to New Zealand, Mark Chapman played international cricket for Hong Kong before joining the Black Caps side. The left-arm all-rounder has played 59 ODIs, scoring 1329 runs with a best of 104*. He averages 30.90. He is an aggressive player who is sound in technique. 

Mark Chapman brings the security in the New Zealand batting order. Even if they lose a few early wickets, he can ensure that the collapse is stopped without much damage. He has the ability to both defend first and attack to consolidate for his team.

6. Glenn Phillips

Glenn Phillips is a bundle of energy on the field for New Zealand. An aggressive batter, Phillips also keeps wickets if needed. To top all of that, Phillips also bowls off-spin and is a true all-rounder in a sense. He has played 20 ODIs scoring 450 runs with 2 fifties to his name. What stands out is that he scores his runs quite quickly. Plus he is an asset in the field for Kiwis anywhere.

Check Here: Most Runs in ODI Cricket World Cup 2023

7. Jimmy Neesham

Jimmy Neesham has become an integral part of the ODI setup for New Zealand. The talented all-rounder has played 73 ODIs, scoring 1437 runs with a best of 97*, and has taken 69 wickets. His best bowling has been 5/27.

While he mostly plies his trades in T20 leagues, Neesham has become a big part of Williamson’s plans in the white-ball format. He can hit some big shots against both spinners and pacers in death overs. With the ball, he is nippy enough to trouble the batters and has variations to keep them confused.

8. Mitchell Santner

Mitchell Santner is one of the two good spinners that New Zealand can employ in Indian conditions and reap rich rewards. The all-rounder has played 94 ODIs and has picked 91 wickets with a best of 5/50 at an economy of 4.87. He has scored 1252 runs as well with 3 fifties. Santner provides New Zealand with a long batting lineup, something that is needed in modern-day ODI cricket.

Also Check: Most Wickets in ODI World Cup 2023

9. Trent Boult

Trent Boult returned to the New Zealand side after spending more than a year out after giving up his central contract. The left-arm pacer just completes the Kiwi pace bowling attack. He is the leading pacer in the world in ODIs as well.

In 104 ODIs, Boult has 197 wickets with a best of 7/34 at an economy of 4.94. In India, he has played a lot at different venues and his ability to swing the new ball will help New Zealand get early wickets. He’ll love playing in Dharamshala and Kolkata which offer swing and a bouncy pitch.

10. Tim Southee

Tim Southee is an experienced campaigner who has the skills to swing the ball as well. He has played 158 ODIs, taking 216 wickets with an economy of 5.49. His best bowling figures are 7/33. He has led the Kiwi pace attack for long and is a reliable bowler anywhere from start to death overs.

11. Lockie Ferguson     

Lockie Ferguson completes the strongest Kiwi XI for the World Cup 2023. A bowler capable of bowling in high 145 kph throughout his 10-over spell, Ferguson is usually employed in the middle overs. He has a deadly yorker which gives New Zealand more lethalness in death overs.

Ferguson has played 58 ODIs, taking 89 wickets with a best bowling of 5/45. While his economy is a bit on the higher side at 5.69; Ferguson compensates for that by his ability to produce wickets when his captain needs one. He will be one of the bowlers to look out for in the tournament.

Also See: ODI World Cup 2023 Points Table