ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Probable first choice XI for all teams

#7 New Zealand

The Kiwis have great balance in their side but need to execute their plans on the field to perfection

The finalists of the 2015 World Cup, New Zealand are the side to get past the group stage the most number of times in World Cups. The squad they have is quite balanced but they have not been consistent with the results in the past year. The presence of quality all-rounders is their biggest strength.

The batting will heavily depend on the top four, with Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor having the responsibility of staying till the end and holding the innings together. Tom Latham might miss the first game due to injury but he remains their first choice wicket-keeper. Tim Southee has not been great at the death in recent times and hence he might miss out to Lockie Ferguson. Both Sodhi and Santner are likely to play considering the dry nature of English pitches in June.

Probable playing XI: Martin Guptill, Henry Nichols, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (WK), Colin de Grandhomme, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Fergusson, Trent Boult