#360view: Formidable New Zealand have the depth of talent and versatility to go all the way in World T20

Barnaby Read 08:08 23/03/2016
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  • New Zealand are all set for the World T20 semi-finals.

    When the World T20 was announced as being held in India there was little doubt that slow bowlers and those batsmen able to adapt quickly to the conditions would lead the charge to the title.

    It was expected that the kings of the sub-continent – the hosts, Sri Lanka and Pakistan – would all stamp their authority on proceedings in an environment so familiar to their cricketers.

    But from the very off at this tournament there has been one team which has planned for and played conditions better than any other – and that is New Zealand.

    Their impressive opening run of three wins out of three has been reliant on an attention to detail and ruthless application of the type of skills capable of redefining T20I cricket.

    In those victories over India, Australia and Pakistan, the Kiwis have turned the screw with the ball using a mixture of steadfast control and a constant wicket-taking menace.

    Their exploits in the field have been their saving grace so far but now they have combined that with a dominant batting display against Pakistan, it should serve as a warning to the rest of the teams in the competition.

    Their spinners Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi have been incredible finds, both performing with maturity beyond their tender years and offering hope in the country’s search for a successor to Daniel Vettori.

    Alongside them, Nathan McCullum starred with the ball against India but has not featured since as the team has adapted to the ever changing surrounds of a vast cricketing landscape that demands and rewards variety.

    Mitchell McGlenaghan and Corey Anderson also chipped in against Australia and Grant Elliott’s medium pacers were just what were needed on a Mohali pitch that offered little to the quicks.

    The depth this side boasts is staggering, with Trent Boult and Tim Southee reduced to carrying the drinks.

    But the real key to their success is the democracy they embrace – the open dialogue and constant discussions within the camp.

    All branches of Team New Zealand are moving together in unison to deliver ultimate success. Coach Mike Hesson must take a great deal of credit for this Black Cap masterclass, with he and his coaching team working tirelessly at preparing for both opposition and circumstance.

    It is raising the bar and the likes of England, Australia, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka – who have looked like having nothing beyond a plan A – should be taking note.

    Those nations tend to rely on an established first XI, their best players sent out to do the best job they possibly can.

    But for New Zealand there is no such thing. There is a team best suited to a specific situation laid out in front of them and an awareness that both will and should change freely, or not at all.

    It has made for enthralling, organic cricket as they become more and more chameleonic in their development.

    It remains to be seen whether it can last but it is hard to see them being unable to compete against any side in the tournament, at any ground in India.

    In this kind of form, with their forensic preparation and a squad so close-knit, brimming with both talent and confidence, New Zealand are changing the game at a rate others are failing to keep up with.

    They are one step ahead at every turn and it shows each time they take to the field.

    So often the underdog or the nearly men, there has never been a New Zealand side this ready to win an ICC tournament.

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