World T20 2016 1st Semi-Final Preview: Kiwis wary of English threat on a batting pitch

New Zealand has undoubtedly been the most consistent and impressive side in the tournament however England has also peaked at the right time. While England brings in the unpredictability factor to their cricket, Kiwis have gone about their business in a calm and professional manner. It will be a fascinating battle of wits when the two teams face each other in the 1st semi-final at Kotla tomorrow.

New Zealand:

New Zealand enters the semis as the only unbeaten side in the tournament. Despite the absence of former skipper Brendon McCullum, they have played the same brand of attacking cricket. While except Martin Guptill, not many of their batsmen have announced themselves in the tournament, their bowlers, especially spinners have had a gala time helping them defend any target. The likes of Colin Munro and Corey Anderson will need to fire and share the big-hitting responsibility.

New Zealand batting has not been the best this tournament. However pushing Ross Taylor at number four was a step in the right direction. They shouldn’t find batting difficult on a slow yet good pitch batting pitch. Guptill, who missed the game against Bangladesh, will once again be the key for NZ to give them a flying start at the top.

England:

After being knocked out in the group stages of the 2015 World Cup, England have undergone a positive transformation. They are now in the semi-final with the help of their batting firepower, however, their bowlers have also done reasonably. Jason Roy, Joe Root, Jos Buttler all coming in and playing good knocks at crucial junctures and will once again be the key men in the batting order. Skipper Eoin Morgan will also be looking forward to producing the goods on a big stage.

Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali have been the key for England, however, they were hammered for runs by Sri Lanka in their previous game. Chris Jordan and David Willey though came good in that game taking England over the line. Liam Plunkett has been a welcome change over Reece Topley and England might not tinker much with their winning combination. It looks a well-balanced side that will give the in-form Kiwis a good run for their money.

Form guide: (last five completed matches, most recent first)

New Zealand: WWWWW

England WWWLL

Pitch and Conditions:

There was a little slowness to the Kotla surface on Monday evening, but batsmen who had their eye in were also able to play their shots. The weather is not expected to disturb play.

Probable XI-

New Zealand:

Kane Williamson (C), Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Corey Anderson, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Luke Ronchi (wk), Mitchell Santner, Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi.

England:

Alex Hales, Jason Roy, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (C), Jos Buttler (wk), Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett, David Willey, Chris Jordan.

Stats:

1. Chris Jordan needs 3 wickets to complete 20 T20I wickets.

2. Kane Williamson is 65 runs short of 1000 T20I runs.

How does a combined XI from the two teams look like? – England v New Zealand World T20 – Combined XI