• Source:JND
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New Zealand, a team that has consistently reached the knockout stages of the last four editions of the World Cup, is eager to break the trophy drought in the upcoming tournament in India. In 2019, they came tantalizingly close to lifting the trophy but fell victim to an unusual boundary countback rule in the final against England.

Strengths:

ICC Event Performances: New Zealand has a knack for performing exceptionally well in ICC events, often exceeding expectations. Their three appearances in the finals of ICC tournaments, including two 50-over World Cup finals (2015 and 2019) and the World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2021, highlight their ability to shine on the global stage.

Balanced Squad: The Kiwis boast a well-balanced squad for this World Cup. They have a mix of exciting talents like Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Glenn Phillips, along with experienced stalwarts like Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, and Trent Boult, who form the backbone of the team.

Bowling Depth: New Zealand's bowling attack, including their spin department with Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi, appears well-prepared. Fast bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry provide valuable support to Boult and Southee.

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Weaknesses:

Poor ODI Record in India: New Zealand's ODI record in India is far from impressive, with only 18 wins from 61 matches, along with 47 losses and two games ending without a result. This historical weakness in Indian conditions could pose a challenge.

Williamson's Injury: The absence of Kane Williamson, at least in the tournament opener against England, due to a knee injury sustained during IPL 2023, is a concern. His performance will be crucial for New Zealand's success, as he is not only their captain but also their most reliable batter in all conditions.

Opportunities:

Last Chance for The Giants: This World Cup presents a final opportunity for the trio of Williamson, Boult, and Southee to win another ICC trophy for New Zealand. They are experienced campaigners and will be keen to make their mark on this global stage.

Conway's Form: Devon Conway, fresh off an IPL victory with the Chennai Super Kings, will be eager to translate his white-ball success to the international arena in India.

Mitchell's Contribution: Daryl Mitchell has been a crucial contributor for New Zealand with both bat and ball. He will aim to play a pivotal role in the team's campaign, along with other talents like Glenn Phillips, Will Young, and Rachin Ravindra.

Threats:

Overseas Struggles: New Zealand faced series defeats against two Asian sides, India and Pakistan, in away series earlier in the year. While they managed to edge out Pakistan 2-1 in one of the series, these overseas struggles could impact their confidence.

Ageing Bowlers: Trusted bowlers Tim Southee and Trent Boult, both aged 34, may face challenges on wickets that do not suit their style of bowling. Their adaptability will be crucial to the team's success.

Recent Form: New Zealand's recent form includes a 1-3 defeat to England in a four-match away ODI series, albeit in different conditions. While they did win against Bangladesh, they need to replicate that success on the bigger stage in the World Cup.

As New Zealand strives to end their World Cup trophy drought, they will have to navigate these strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to make a strong challenge for the coveted title in India.