3 reasons why New Zealand can make it to the ODI World Cup 2023 semi-finals

In the ODI World Cups, New Zealand has always been there and thereabouts but they somehow fail to cross the finishing line. They have made it to the semi-finals of the World Cup multiple times but the title remains elusive for them. In the last edition, they failed to lift the World Cup in a dramatic loss to England. Some even say that the Kiwis did not lose the World Cup but England won it. This time around they have an opportunity to turn the tables and challenge their destiny to lift that elusive ODI World Cup title.

Let’s look at three reasons why New Zealand can make it to the semi-finals of the ODI World Cup 2023.

3. Return of the Captain

The New Zealand team has strengthened itself considerably with the comeback of Kane Williamson. Williamson sustained a knee injury in the last season of the IPL. It has been a long wait for him to don the black jersey again. He has still not gained his full fitness and that is the reason he has been kept out of contention for the World Cup opener against England. But the good news for Kiwi fans is that he is very close to being at his best. 

In the warm-up game against Pakistan, he did spend some time on the pitch and looked in a sublime touch. Williamson scored 54 not out before opting to leave the pitch and give an opportunity to other batsmen. His return would give the New Zealand team an edge because he has a lot of experience of playing in the Indian conditions as he regularly plays in the IPL. If Kane can get back to his full fitness New Zealand can very well be a strong contender to qualify for the semi-finals. 

2. Trent Boult

Due to some disagreements with the board Kiwi fast bowler Trent Boult chose to play in franchise leagues around the world rather than playing for his national side. But it looks like those differences have been ironed out and Trent Boult has made a comeback to the side which has made their bowling lineup even better. 

Trent Boult’s ability to trouble the batsmen in the powerplay with his skill to swing the ball both ways and especially to bring the ball back into right-handers will be an asset for the Kiwis. Captain Williamson would be very happy to see Boult back in the black jersey as his experience in the IPL would come in very handy for New Zealand in this World Cup.

1. All-rounders and Spinners

The depth in the Kiwi lineup because of multiple all-round options gives them an added advantage. Among batting all-rounders, they have Glen Phillips, James Neesham, and Daryl Mitchell and they have Mitchell Santner who is primarily a left-arm orthodox but can bat down the order as well. These options give them a lot of flexibility to operate. 

New Zealand has probably got one of the best spin bowling rosters in this World Cup. Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, and Rachin Ravindra with their varying skills form a very solid spin bowling unit. Glen Phillips with his handy off-spin can give a few overs to his captain on slow and spinning tracks in India. 

These all-round and spin bowling options make New Zealand a formidable unit that has the potential to finally end their lack of ODI World Cup titles. Many of the Kiwi players have plied their trade in India and their IPL experience will help them adapt to the conditions better. The Kiwis just have to stay composed in high-pressure situations and if they are successful in doing that they can definitely qualify for the semi-finals.