With the authoritative win over Afghanistan, India have announced that they shall not be bowing out of the 2021 T20 World Cup without a fight.
While India’s fortunes depend on the other sides, New Zealand's the situation is more straightforward as they control their destiny. A win over Namibia in Sharjah and Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi should take them through.
On paper, New Zealand are significantly stronger than both their future opponents by some distance, but the format, and high pressure, can lead to funny things. Add to that the gruelling schedule of three afternoon matches in the desert heat in a span of five days, and the scenario wears a slightly complex look.
Afghanistan are a strong opponent in these conditions, while Namibia have been a very promising side. New Zealand will be wary of both, especially after their scare against Scotland earlier this week.
Interestingly, Namibia are in the race for the semi-finals. They reckon the slowness of the Sharjah surface suits them, and will bank on New Zealand’s unfamiliarity with them to pull off an upset. The sides have not met in any international outing in senior cricket.
While not quite Pakistan or West Indies, New Zealand are not renowned for living with a tag of unpredictability. Kane Williamson’s men are a professional lot who plan and strategise well and implement effectively more often than not. It was reflected in their match against Pakistan and massive win over India. Their recent record in the ICC events is a testimony to their consistency.
The winning habit is infectious. Namibia’s recent winning spree make them no pushovers in the big game. Out of all teams in the tournament, Namibia have the best win-loss ratio of the three since 2019. They have won 21 and lost just seven in this phase. They did manage to test Pakistan in their previous game. Having won against the Netherlands and Ireland, they will eye to cross the final hurdle and pull off an upset against a bigger team.
New Zealand’s batting has struggled in these conditions. They will bank on Martin Guptill’s return to form. If Namibia err in length, they will play into the the hands of Guptill, who is well capable of turning a game on his own.
For Namibia, the key remains David Wiese, whose experience in the UAE conditions makes him a serious threat. He averages 38, strikes at 140 in T20s in the UAE, and has a particular liking for Sharjah. He has been dismissed once here in the three innings he has played and scored 93 runs at a strike rate of 186.
Namibia’s likely XI
Stephan Baard, Michael van Lingen, Craig Williams, Gerhard Erasmus (c), David Wiese, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Zane Green (wk), J.J. Smit, Jan Frylinck, Ruben Trumpelmann, Ben Shikongo
ICC T20I Ranking: 15
The tracks at Sharjah have assisted spinners. In T20Is in 2021, Sharjah has seen 42 wickets fall to spin (35 in the Super 12s itself) at an average under 18 and an economy rate of 6.8.
With Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner in good form, New Zealand have a clear edge here. Not to forget, Glenn Phillips is now a handy off-spinner.
New Zealand’s likely XI
Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (c), James Neesham, Devon Conway (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Trent Boult
ICC T20I Ranking: 4
Key match-ups:
- Guptill vs the left-arm pacers: Guptill’s strike rate comes down to 111 against left-arm pacers. In 2021, against left-arm pacers, he averages 17 with a strike rate of 78.5. Trumpelmann, Smit and Frylinck have surely made a note of that.
- Wiese vs Sodhi/Santner: Wiese’s strike rate falls to 116 against spin bowlers. With Sodhi and Santer in good form, it could be a contest that could make a difference for New Zealand.
Prediction:
Even though a win here will take Namibia past India in the points table, they will still find themselves in an unfamiliar position with a billion-plus support. But anyway, New Zealand are the outright favourites.
Fantasy tips:
- Considering his all-round prowess, Wiese can be named the captain.
- Guptill usually goes on to encash his form, and therefore, he’s a safe bet as vice-captain.
- Conway has had a brilliant 2021. He’s due for a big one, and not to forget the wicketkeeping points.
Fantasy XI
David Wiese (c), Martin Guptill (vc), Devon Conway, Craig Williams, Gerhard Erasmus, Jimmy Neesham, Daryl Mitchell, J.J. Smit, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi