Published: Mar 29, 2015, 05:45 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 29, 2015, 05:45 PM (IST)
New Zealand had an unbeaten run through to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final, where Australia triumphed. However, this was a historic tournament for New Zealand as they made it through to their maiden World Cup final. Nishad Pai Vaidya rates the performances of each New Zealand player through the tournament.
Martin Guptill – 9/10
Finishing with 547 runs in the tournament, Martin Guptill has established himself as one of the most dangerous One-Day International (ODI) players. He has the ability to time his innings perfectly and anchor his team to big totals. Not many players get 500 runs in the World Cup and this is a very special feat for Guptill. The biggest highlight of his tournament was the double-ton against the West Indies and the century against Bangladesh. Australia vs New Zealand, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Final: New Zealand innings highlights
Trent Boult – 9/10
The left-arm seamer showed tremendous guile with the new ball. His ability to swing it at a decent pace had the opposition in trouble numerous times. Along with Tim Southee, he formed a incisive partnership with the new ball. His five-wicket haul against Australia was a true mark of his quality. An average under 20 shows remarkable consistency on his part. Full Scorecard: Australia vs New Zealand, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
Brendon McCullum – 8.5/10
An inspirational captain, who dared to dream. New Zealand have never had a world beating side as they were competitive at best. However, under McCullum, they played to their full potential with his attacking captaincy playing its part. Not to forget his idiosyncratic batting, where he powered his team to blazing starts. Although he failed in the final, it was still a tournament to remember for him. Updates: Australia vs New Zealand, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Final
Daniel Vettori – 8.5/10
The legendary New Zealand cricketer has defied age and his injury worries to make it into the World Cup squad. He was as reliable as ever, taking wickets and bowling frugally. And, how can one miss his catch on the boundary during the quarter-final? He too has been an inspirational figure for his teammates.
Grant Elliott – 8/10
At one time, Grant Elliott was the forgotten man of New Zealand cricket. His selection surprised many, especially as someone like a Jimmy Neesham wasn’t picked. However, Elliott brought together all his experience and scripted two crucial knocks when it mattered the most. Against South Africa, he was spectacular and finished the innings in style. As the batting line-up wobbled in the final, he held his own to hit a calm 83.
Corey Anderson – 7.5/10
The big hitting Corey Anderson provided depth and balance to the side. Although he was expensive with the ball, he did show the penchant to take wickets. With the bat, he chipped in with crucial contributions in the middle order, none more important than his knock in the semi-final against South Africa.
Tim Southee – 7/10
Tim Southee was good with the new ball, although he was overshadowed by Boult. Against England, he was simply devastating and showed what movement could do. Southee remains an important figure in the New Zealand side. As a batsman, he helped them finish a tight game against Bangladesh.
Kane Williamson – 6.5/10
When you look at the numbers, it wasn’t the best World Cups for a batsman of Kane Williamson’s calibre. Having said that, 234 runs at 33.42 isn’t too bad either. Williamson will remember this World Cup for finishing the tight game against Australia.
Ross Taylor – 5.5/10
A dangerous player, Ross Taylor was a success in patches through the tournament. He got off to starts but failed to make them count. Also, a strike-rate of 61.55 in the tournament doesn’t reflect his hitting ability.
Adam Milne – 5/10
The pacy Adam Milne was ruled out of the World Cup due to injury. With Boult and Southee doing most of the work, Milne got only five wickets in his six matches before bowing out.
Luke Ronchi – 4/10
Ronchi was decent with his glovework, but flattered to deceive with the bat. Batting lower down the order, he wouldn’t have had too much time, but does have the talent to bring a lot more onto the table.
Matt Henry – 4/10
Never easy being called up mid-way through the tournament and being thrust into a game as important as the semi-final. While he was economical, he did not pick too many wickets to back Boult and Southee.
Mitchell McClenaghan – 2/10
At one time, Mitchell McClenaghan was New Zealand’s strike bowler. However, in recent times, he has struggled and played the solitary game against Bangladesh in the World Cup, where he went for plenty.
(Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Correspondent with CricketCountry and anchor for the site’s YouTube Channel. His Twitter handle is @nishad_45)
