New Zealand 2019 Cricket World Cup squad: Key players, fixtures, prediction, odds and more

In Kane Williamson and Trent Boult, New Zealand cricket have two star players that could walk into any team in the World Cup and will be heavily reliant on this pair should they enjoy a successful summer.

The 2015 finalists are often considered dark horses and this year should be no different if their star players can drag them over the line.

The impressive Ross Taylor, ranked as the world’s third best batsman in ODI cricket, and all-rounder Mitchell Santner will also have to consistently conjure up their best to threaten the top nations.

However, a convincing series defeat against India earlier this year will not fill the Black Caps with a huge amount of optimism.

Fixtures

• Sri Lanka, Saturday 1 June, Cardiff Wales Stadium, Cardiff

• Bangladesh, Wednesday 5 June, The Oval, London

• Afghanistan, Saturday 8 June, Afghanistan, County Ground Taunton, Taunton

• India, Thursday 13 June, Trent Bridge, Nottingham

• South Africa, Wednesday 19 June, Edgbaston, Birmingham

• West Indies, Saturday 22 June, Old Trafford, Manchester

• Pakistan, Wednesday 26 June, Edgbaston, Birmingham

• Australia, Saturday 29 June, Lord’s, London

• England, Wednesday 3 July, The Riverside Durham, Chester-le-Street

Squad

Kane Williamson (capt), Tom Blundell (wk), Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wk), Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.

Key Players

Trent Boult is one of the best bowlers in the world and will carry the pressure of being the star New Zealand turn towards to win games.

The lightening quick swing-bowler’s technique gives him an unpredictable nature with the new ball which he can execute in English conditions.

Captain

Kane Williamson’s level-headedness and experience stands him as one of cricket’s most respected captains. The top-order batter exudes calm at the crease and frequently puts together stubborn knocks before meticulously organising his field and arranging his bowling attacks to defend low totals.

One to watch

Tom Blundell is perhaps the surprise inclusion for New Zealand having not played a one-day international before. The keeper-batsman is no stranger to international cricket and scored a century on his Test debut in 2017, but has not been able to transfer to the white-ball side.

Odds to win

10/1

Prediction

New Zealand have the foundations of a good side and possess the ability to defend a low total or set targets in the mid-300s. Ones to keep a close eye on.