New Zealand have been rated amongst the best, going into the ICC World Cup 2015. They seem to have a well balanced side for One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and could pose a threat in home conditions at the big event. However, with 15 ODIs in store before the World Cup kicks off, New Zealand have some intense preparations to do. Nishad Pai Vaidya writes about New Zealand’s home record and the road ahead.
Traditionally, New Zealand haven’t been the strongest sides in world cricket. However, they have often raised their game to a new level when faced with a challenge. Be it playing their trans-Tasman rivals Australia or featuring in World Cups, New Zealand have tended to produce performances surpassing all expectations. “We weren’t the most skillful sides around, but we were the best planned because we had to be. We had confidence to try things because we knew that if we did it the traditional way, we wouldn’t be able to compete with the best. So we enjoyed being innovative. In some ways, it was like New Zealand’s way of doing things — try and be innovative, compete and punch beyond our size,” said former New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming in an interview with CricketCountry.
As the ICC World Cup 2015 approaches, many have picked New Zealand as the dark horses — some even tagging them as “one of the favourites.” Yes, the Brendon McCullum-led side are a good One-Day International (ODI) unit with some aggressive batsmen and wicket-taking bowlers. Over the years, New Zealand have often qualified for the World Cup semi-final owing to their character and grit. This time, they have copious talent to back it as they build ahead of the big event on their home turf.
But, how good are New Zealand at home? Since 2012, they have won 10 out of their 18 matches at home. In fact, they were beaten 3-0 by South Africa in 2012. England too beat them 2-1 last year. However, against the West Indies early this year, they drew a closely fought series and then beat the World Champions India 4-0. It is that victory that has given them tremendous hope ahead of the World Cup. Under the astute leadership of McCullum, this team seems to have found its mojo and are becoming one of the best across formats.
Let us have a look at the various sides’ home record since January 1, 2004.
Team
M
W
L
W/L ratio
Australia
116
79
30
2.63
South Africa
92
62
24
2.58
India
110
70
35
2.00
Sri Lanka
109
63
37
1.70
Pakistan
47
29
18
1.61
New Zealand
87
49
31
1.58
England
116
56
51
1.09
West Indies
107
50
51
0.98
Bangladesh
104
46
57
0.80
Zimbabwe
95
29
66
0.43
*Since Jan 1, 2004
New Zealand have a decent win-loss ratio at home. They have had periods over the last decade where the visiting sides have been successful, which is why the record looks this way. Even their record at home since 2012 isn’t great, but the manner in which this side has played in recent times is what has fuelled hopes for the future.
The road to the World Cup
New Zealand have quite a few home assignments going into the World Cup. First up, they face South Africa in the three-match ODI series starting Tuesday. They then fly to the United Arab Emirates, to face Pakistan. There would be five ODIs on that trip. The important series in the lead-up would be the one against Sri Lanka, whom they host for seven ODIs. So, New Zealand have a total of 15 ODIs crammed in a short space of time before the mega event. Thereis a lot of time to get their team right and set the tone for the World Cup. Mainly, they need to build the confidence in the side and create a strength in home conditions to pose a threat before the World Cup.
Things have gone well for them in the last year or so and it is now a matter of intensifying that preparation in the space of four months. As Ross Taylor told CricketCountry in August this year, “We’ve had a lot of potential and it is nice to put the two together. We still have a long way to go where we want to get to as a side. There are a few assignments at home and obviously the World Cup, which would be a big test. Our team is coming along well and hopefully we improve in areas where we need to. The inexperienced players at this time last year now have a lot more games under their belt and they are confident as well.”
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