Power Ranking the 2019 World Cup Teams

3. New Zealand

New Zealand v England - 4th ODI

As usual, New Zealand continue to be underestimated by most of the cricketing world. Most of the discussion around the World Cup has surrounded the chances of India, England, Pakistan, South Africa and Australia.

Yet what has gone unnoticed is the fact that New Zealand have had an excellent run of results as they have thrashed Pakistan 5-0, beaten Bangladesh and West Indies while also beating Australia twice in the past three years. Moreover, New Zealand have also given a tough time to the two best ODI sides: India and England.

This run of results is also complemented by their team on paper which is quietly impressive. Their opening partnership is ideal for the modern game with a dasher like Martin Guptill being ably supported by an accumulator like Tom Latham. They are followed by two of the best batsmen in the world with the outstanding Kane Williamson and the mercurial Ross Taylor.

Meanwhile, their lower middle order is one of the few in the tournament with the outstanding attacking play of Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham and Colin De Grandhomme. This has allowed New Zealand to accumulate several 350+ scores in recent times.

Finally, the Black Caps have one of the best bowling attacks in the tournament with a pace attack composing Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Matt Henry- all with the ability to swing the ball in England. They are also complemented by economical spinners like Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi.

In 2015, New Zealand’s run to the final was seen by many as a result of home conditions rather than an all around excellent team. Now they travel to England with a similarly impressive team- ready to shock the World once again.