Morning doesn’t always show the day. New Zealand are one good example of that.
The Black Caps got off to an exhilarating start in this World Cup, thrashing 2019 champions England by nine wickets in the tournament opener in Ahmedabad last month. It had seemed then that they would be the one side, along with India, to beat.
The Conways, Rachin Ravindras and Santners were getting it right in almost every game. But since that loss to India in Dharamsala on October 22, where they made some basic errors, not much has been going New Zealand’s way. They have suffered two more losses, which now threaten to hamper their semi-final prospects.
Even after conceding 388 against Australia, New Zealand staged a fightback with valuable knocks from Ravindra and Jimmy Neesham taking them close and falling short by just five runs. But against South Africa in Mumbai on Wednesday, a loss by
190 runs has hurt the Black Caps badly.
They are still among the top four despite three straight losses with a positive net run rate. But a defeat to Pakistan — who have gained some confidence after drubbing Bangladesh last Tuesday at the Eden — in Bangalore on Saturday could make matters trickier for New Zealand.
Matt Henry (left) leaves the field after suffering cramps during New Zealand’s match against South Africa in Pune on Wednesday. PTI photo
Of course, they will have struggling Sri Lanka as opponents in their final game of the league stage on November 9, again in Bangalore. But a loss to Pakistan will affect their net run rate further.
Australia, also on eight points, are ahead of them in the standings at No.3. The Aussies, too, have two more games to play: against England in Ahmedabad on Saturday and Afghanistan in Mumbai on November 7.
If Australia lose one of the two or both, it will augur well for New Zealand. But if Pakistan win both of their remaining two matches and New Zealand just one, that could queer the pitch for the latter.
New Zealand would hope they regain their form to beat both Pakistan and Sri Lanka and confirm a semis berth without having to rely on net run rate or a favour from any other side.
To be fair to the 2019 runners-up, they have been plagued by injuries as the list became longer with pacer Matt Henry and Jimmy Neesham also joining regular captain Kane Williamson and Tim Southee, who returned to the XI against the Proteas but looked far from sharp.
Pacer Kyle Jamieson will be a cover for Henry, who underwent a scan on his right hamstring. However, Lockie Ferguson’s scan on his right achilles revealed no significant damage and New Zealand hope he will be available for Saturday’s game.
The condition of Williamson (thumb injury) and Mark Chapman (calf) is being monitored as New Zealand still hope they would return to the XI against Pakistan. If Williamson does return, it will certainly give some lift to the morale of the side.
As for Neesham, an X-ray had cleared him of any broken bones after he was struck on his right wrist while attempting to take a return catch of Rassie van der Dussen in Wednesday’s game. He went on to bat lower down the order at No.9 thereafter.
New Zealand would seriously hope this doesn’t turn out to be another indisposition.
Marsh goes on leave, indefinitely
Ahmedabad: In-form Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh left for home on Thursday due to personal reasons for an indefinite period, dealing yet another blow to the team, already hit by Glenn Maxwell’s unavailability for their next World Cup match against England due to concussion.
Marsh could be out of the whole tournament as Cricket Australia did not give any timeline for his return.
“A timeline on his return to the squad is to be confirmed,” the CA said in a statement.
In Marsh’s absence, Cameron Green could be drafted into the team for the match against arch-rivals England here on Saturday.
Fit-again Marcus Stoinis, however, gave hopes that Marsh could return to India for the World Cup.
“He’s got a family issue going on and like we all know, family is very important, the most important really,” Stoinis told reporters on Thursday.
“He’s doing the right thing and he’s getting home and he’s seeing the people he needs to see. I don’t think there’s a timeline on when he’s coming back, but I’m sure he’ll do what he needs to do at home and then get back,” he said.
Stoinis said Marsh told him before departing for home that he would be “coming back to win this World Cup”.
PTI
