New Zealand Skipper Santner Reflects on India’s Bowling Challenge Before T20 WC Clash

New Zealand’s cricket captain, Mitchell Santner, recently reflected on his team’s challenges with bowling, particularly during the recent T20I series against India. As they prepare for their first match in the ICC T20 World Cup, Santner expressed concerns about controlling the powerplay and its impact on their upcoming fixtures.

Upcoming Clash with Afghanistan

The New Zealand Black Caps are set to face Afghanistan in their T20 World Cup opener on February 8. This match will take place at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Santner emphasized the importance of effectively managing the powerplay, especially against aggressive top-order batters.

Bowling Strategy and Key Insights

In the T20I series against India, the New Zealand bowlers struggled with early containment. Santner highlighted the performance of players like Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma as pivotal in setting a challenging tone during the initial overs.

“A strong start in the powerplay is essential for every World Cup team,” Santner noted. He added that taking early wickets can significantly hinder opposing teams. He acknowledged that conditions would vary between teams like India and Sri Lanka, making adaptability vital.

Team Readiness and Squad Overview

As the team gears up for the World Cup, Santner confirmed that all players are fit and available for selection. “It’s great to have all 15 players ready to go,” he remarked, addressing previous injury concerns prior to their warm-up matches.

• New Zealand’s Group D opponents include:
• South Africa
• Afghanistan
• Canada
• The UAE

New Zealand T20 World Cup Squad

As the event approaches, Santner and his team are optimistic about addressing their challenges and delivering strong performances in the tournament.