Sections

ENGLISH
தமிழ்
বাংলা
മലയാളം
ગુજરાતી
हिंदी
मराठी
BUSINESS
बिज़नेस
Newsletters
Facebook
Twitter
Youtube
Instagram
Thursday, Oct 19, 2023
EPAPER
TODAY’S PAPER
The Indian Express
JOURNALISM OF COURAGE
Home
Cities
Explained
Opinion
Entertainment
Sports
Politics
Lifestyle
Tech
Investigations
Research
Express Et Al.
SUBSCRIBE
Sign In
TRENDING
World Cup
Mini Crosswords
Love Matters Podcast
Israel-Hamas War
Top News
Premium Stories
UPSC Special
Health Specials
NewsSportsCricket World Cup 2023Cricket World Cup: Unbeaten New Zealand demolish Afghanistan
in perfect preparation for clash with red-hot India
Cricket World Cup: Unbeaten New Zealand demolish Afghanistan in perfect preparation for clash with
red-hot India
Kane-less NZ endure a few anxious moments before running past England-slayers for 149-run win
Written by Venkata Krishna B
Chennai | Updated: October 19, 2023 08:50 IST
Newsguard

Follow Us
2023 ODI World Cup: Mitchell Santner four wicketsNew Zealand's Mitchell Santner celebrates with
teammates after taking the wicket of Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi during the ICC Men's Cricket
World Cup 2023 match between New Zealand and Afghanistan, at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, in
Chennai, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023. (PTI)
Listen to this article

00:00
1x
1.5x
1.8x
Mitchell Santner didn’t mince words when talking about New Zealand’s next opponents, India. For all
the ‘nice boys’ tag that hangs around their necks, the Black Caps are known to be ruthless on the field,
especially at World Cups. They have a history of flying under the radar, largely unnoticed, but as they
leave Chennai after making it four wins out of four with their 149-run victory over Afghanistan on
Wednesday, New Zealand look every bit prepared for India.

Despite getting past Australia and Pakistan, India know New Zealand will be a hard nut to crack at
Dharamsala, more so if the conditions are to the liking of the Black Caps. And Santner, who went top
of the wicket-takers chart with his three-wicket haul against Afghanistan that took his tally at this
World Cup to 11, said that they don’t need to go away from their game plan against the hosts.

“I think we have to do similar stuff to what we’re doing: chip away, build pressure, do our things, see
what happens.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM 2023 ODI WORLD CUP

This wasn’t Santner just playing to the gallery or indulging in mind games. This is what New Zealand
have been doing in the four matches they have played, where they have even thrashed the defending
champions. Of course, wins in Chennai against Bangladesh and Afghanistan did arrive on expected
lines, but ahead of a key run of fixtures against India, Australia, South Africa and Pakistan, they are
placed comfortably as even a couple of defeats won’t do their prospects of a semifinal spot not much
harm. But strictly going by how they have fared so far, such outcomes look far-fetched.

On Wednesday, for the first time in this World Cup, they were put through a testing period by the
Afghanistan bowlers, especially their spinners. Without Kane Williamson, New Zealand didn’t flinch
when put under pressure. Instead, in Glenn Phillips – a batsman who has a history of struggling
against spinners – and Tom Latham, they found the heroes who rescued them.

Festive offer
Lockie Ferguson 2023 ODI world cup vs AFGChennai: New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson celebrates with
teammates after taking the wicket of Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan during the ICC Men’s Cricket World
Cup 2023 match between New Zealand and Afghanistan, at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, in Chennai,
Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023. (PTI Photo/R Senthil Kumar) (PTI10_18_2023_000413A)
Phillips’ batting in these conditions was a cause of concern not so long ago. During the tour of India
earlier this year and at the IPL, all it needed to dismiss him was someone who could get the ball to
spin. Not employing the sweep – the go-to shot for most overseas batsmen who are not comfortable
using their feet – Phillips had to stick to his strength of playing from the crease. It is something former
West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan had suggested to him during his stint with Jamaica Tallawahs
in the Caribbean Premier League.

“I guess the way a lot of boys play over here – sweeping really well and reverse-sweeping really well –
but unfortunately I don’t have that quite in my gameplan or to the level I’d be happy to use it
consistently in a match. So, for me, it’s about sticking to my strengths: play from the crease and I do
have power. But also the beauty of batting at No.6 is that you have the opportunity to soak pressure
or mount pressure [on the opposition], depending on the time you come in. So, [it’s] about being able
to flip between the two depending on what the team needs,” Phillips, who picked up the Player of the
Match award, said.

Professional display

Thanks to the 144-run stand between Latham and Phillips for the fifth wicket, New Zealand piled
288/6, a target that proved way beyond Afghanistan’s reach as they were bowled out for 139 with
Lockie Ferguson and Santner picking up three wickets each. It was the ideal performance that the
Kiwis needed before they run into India’s batting line-up that looks red hot at the moment.

MOST READ
1
Amitabh Bachchan refused to wear topor at Bengali wedding with Jaya Bachchan, told her parents, ‘I
will marry your daughter but…’
2
Conviction does not bring our daughter back to us: Soumya Vishwanathan’s parents recall 15-year-
long legal ordeal
See More
“Obviously, it’s nice to be in this position to lead into this (India) game, but we know it’s such a long
tournament and one loss isn’t going to hurt you if you win the rest – or you kind of look at that at the
start. So, we know they’re playing some very good cricket. I think the Powerplay with the ball is going
to be very important,” the left-arm spinner said.

Striking in the Powerplay has been New Zealand’s biggest strength with the ball. As Trent Boult and
Matt Henry showed here on an unresponsive track, they are capable of getting the ball to swing and
seam. And once they got an opening, Ferguson took over, providing the knockout blows before
Santner chipped in at the end.

ALSO READ
Shreyas Iyer ODI World Cup 2023
India versus Bangladesh: Shreyas Iyer has solved India’s No. 4 problem, a...
IND vs BAN: World Cup 2023 match forecast
Cricket World Cup: On the eve of the India-Bangladesh game, rain teases p...
NED World Cup
Cricket World Cup: MS Dhoni six, Kohli carrying Tendulkar on his shoulder...
India vs Bangladesh 2023
World Cup, India vs Bangladesh: Will Mohammed Shami or R Ashwin get a loo...
Top Sports News Now
Tamim's exclusion, Litton's behaviour, Shakib's fitness: Concerns of Bangla fans as trial by fire against
India looms
Neymar tears ACL, meniscus; to miss trip to India for match against Mumbai City FC
Shreyas Iyer has solved India's No. 4 problem, and his approach is different from Yuvraj Singh's
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
At Dharamsala, unless the conditions are tailor-made for them, Rohit Sharma & Co will face their first
real test at this World Cup for the New Zealand attack has all facets that India have a history of
struggling against. Left-arm seam, check. Right-arm seamer, check. Out-and-out pace, check. Left-arm
spin, check. Medium-pacers, check. In a format where most teams prefer to be aggressive with the
bat, New Zealand’s template since the 2015 World Cup has been to go full throttle with the ball. With
an all-round, balanced attack at their disposal, it allows them the sort of luxury that not many have.
And come Sunday, India could have a real job on their hands.

Bring on Dharamsala.

© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd

First published on: 19-10-2023 at 00:00 IST
TAGS:2023 World CupAfghanistanMitchell SantnerNew Zealand Cricket TeamODI World Cup 2023
Join our WhatsApp Channel Get the latest updates and exclusive news on WhatsApp
JOIN WHATSAPP GROUP
MORE SPORTS
Shakib Al Hasan celebrates the wicket of New Zealand's Devon Conway with Bangladesh teammates
during a ICC World Cup match in Chennai. (AP Photo)
SPORTS
Tamim's exclusion, Litton's behaviour, Shakib's fitness: Concerns of Bangla fans as trial by fire against
India looms
Brazil's Neymar reacts after sustaining an injury REUTERS
SPORTS
Neymar tears ACL, meniscus; to miss trip to India for match against Mumbai City FC
Shreyas Iyer ODI World Cup 2023
SPORTS
Shreyas Iyer has solved India's No. 4 problem, and his approach is different from Yuvraj Singh's
2023 ODI World Cup: Mitchell Santner four wickets
SPORTS
Unbeaten New Zealand demolish Afghanistan in perfect preparation for clash with red-hot India
PHOTOS
IND vs PAK
Fifties from Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer guide India to 7-wicket win against Pakistan
How does Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad look a week before the World Cup opener?Asian
Games 2023: Indian contingent opening ceremonyA glittering opening ceremony kicks off the 2023
Asian Games in Hangzhou
IND vs AUSCameos from Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav help India
beat Australia by five wicketsIND SLMohammed Siraj stars as India defeat Sri Lanka by 10 wickets to
clinch 8th Asia Cup title
BEST OF EXPRESS
68 murdered in Maliana, all acquitted 36 years later, residents ask: So who killed our families?
CITIES
68 murdered in Maliana, all accused acquitted 36 years later, residents ask: So who killed our
families?
rahul gandhi
CITIES
In appeal, Rahul says was mistreated, sentenced to attract disqualification
ranveer singh don 3
ENTERTAINMENT
Don 3 teaser: Ranveer Singh's first look revealed, says '11 mulkon ki police dhoondti hai mujhe'
gadar 2 omg 2 jailer box office prediction
ENTERTAINMENT
Rajinikanth's Jailer sells 9 lakh tickets, Gadar 2 rules the North with 3 lakh ticket sales: What
Independence Day weekend at movies looks like
‘Pepper X’ breaks world record for the world’s hottest chilli pepper
TRENDING
‘Pepper X’ breaks world record for the world’s hottest chilli pepper
Doctor at New York hospital terminated for Instagram story on Hamas attack
TRENDING
‘Zionist settlers getting a taste of their own medicine’: Doctor at New York hospital terminated for
Instagram story on Hamas attack
Shakib Al Hasan celebrates the wicket of New Zealand's Devon Conway with Bangladesh teammates
during a ICC World Cup match in Chennai. (AP Photo)
SPORTS
Tamim's exclusion, Litton's behaviour, Shakib's fitness: Concerns of Bangla fans as trial by fire against
India looms
Brazil's Neymar reacts after sustaining an injury REUTERS
SPORTS
Neymar tears ACL, meniscus; to miss trip to India for match against Mumbai City FC
lgbtq+
OPINION
I am glad the Supreme Court did not ‘legislate’ queer marriage
DA Hike govt
EXPLAINED
What DA hike means for govt employees, the exchequer
Snacking late at night is sabotaging your sleep. (Source: Freepik)
LIFESTYLE
That midnight bowl of maggi is sabotaging your sleep. But is all late-night snacking bad?
minecraft featured
TECHNOLOGY
Minecraft crosses 300 million copies: 5 fun facts about the popular game
OCT 19: LATEST NEWS
JJ Marg police, disrespect of Israel’s flag, Hamas Israel conflict, Benjamin Netanyahu, Gaza Palestine,
Israel and Palestine, Israel Palestine conflict, Israel Palestine relations, Israel-Palestine talks, Palestine-
Israel relations, India news, Indian express, Indian express India news, Indian express India
Four held for disrespect of Israel’s flag
Gorakhpur, Gorakhpur deaths, Gorakhpur police, Gorakhpur tragedy, India news, Indian express,
Indian express India news, Indian express India
2007 Gorakhpur case: Life term for main accused in communal violence case
Jitendra Awhad, Nationalist Congress Party, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Mumbai news, Mumbai,
Maharashtra news, Indian express news
State may see mid-term Assembly polls: Awhad
ICC Cricket World Cup, india vs Bangladesh, india Bangladesh match, Gahunje Stadium, Bangladesh,
Bangladesh cricket team, India news, Indian express, Indian express India news, Indian express India
Bangladeshi students in Pune gear up to cheer for their team
Eknath Shinde, Rahul Narvekar, Sena MLA’s disqualification, India news, Indian express, Indian
express India news, Indian express India
Narwekar meets Shinde amid row over Sena MLA’s disqualification
Tamil Nadu cuts power tariff, Tamil Nadu cuts power tariff for small apartments, Navalur toll plaza,
Chennai, India news, Indian express, Indian express India news, Indian express India
Tamil Nadu cuts power tariff for small apartments, stops fee collection at Navalur toll plaza
Maharashtra schools, Maharashtra government, Maharashtra govt schoolchildren to get two new sets
of uniforms, Mumbai news, Mumbai, Maharashtra news, Indian express news
Maharashtra govt schoolchildren to get two new sets of uniforms for from next year
Cipla Foundation, NIMHANS set up palliative unit for neuro patients
Cipla Foundation, NIMHANS tie up to establish palliative care unit for neuro patients
cats
Army Commanders’ Conference: Army prepared to deal with any contingency in eastern Ladakh:
Rajnath
Raghubar Das, Raghubar Das appointed governor of Odisha, Indra Sena Reddy Nallu, Odisha, India
news, Indian express, Indian express India news, Indian express India
Raghubar Das appointed governor of Odisha, Indra Sena Reddy Nallu of Tripura
TOP CATEGORIES
Explained News
Political Pulse
Latest Opinion
Mumbai News
Delhi News
Pune News
Bangalore News
Bollywood News
Health News
India News
Sports News
Lifestyle News
Jobs
Mobile & Tabs
Tech Reviews
Gadgets
Mobile & Tabs
Food & Wine
Elections 2023
Fitness
TRENDING NEWS
Latest News
Income Tax Slab
Health And Wellness
Cricket News
Education News
Entertainment News
Subscribe To The Indian Express
Buy Digital Premium
Trending News
Why Subscribe To The Indian Express
Express Et Al
Buy All-Access Plan
Stock Market Quotes
Cricket World Cup
Israel-Hamas War
LATEST STORIES
Daily Briefing: Latest On Israel, Assembly Polls, World Cup 2023, And More
OnePlus Open Foldable Smartphone Launch Today: How To Live Stream
Jawan Box Office Collection Day 42: Shah Rukh Khan-Starrer Passes Rs 1140.5 Crore Global Gross,
Trails KGF 2 By 74 Crore
Assembly Elections 2023 Live Updates: Amit Shah To Hold Two Rallies In Bastar; Rahul Gandhi’s
‘Vijayabheri Yatra’ Enters Day 2 In Telangana
From A 7-Year-Old To A Geologist, Word Enthusiasts Engage In Silent Battle — On A Scrabble Board
Tamim’s Exclusion, Litton’s Behaviour, Shakib’s Fitness: Concerns Of Bangla Fans As Trial By Fire
Against India Looms
Bigg Boss 17 Contestant Vicky Jain Says Trolling He And Ankita Lokhande Faced Made Them Stronger:
‘What Happened In The Past…’
Ashutosh Gowariker Reveals How He Got Aamir Khan-Shah Rukh Khan To Share A Frame For His
Directorial Debut: ‘We Celebrated That Night’
The Devil On Trial Movie Review: Sloppy Netflix Documentary Exposes Real-Life Sham Behind The
Conjuring Films
PM10 Level In Mumbai Air Higher Than In Delhi; Minister Says Development Works Causing Increase
In Dust Pollution
Israel-Hamas War Live Updates: Gaza To Get Limited Aid After Biden’s Visit; Rage At The Gaza Hospital
Blast Carnage Spreads
Neymar Tears ACL, Meniscus; To Miss Trip To India For Match Against Mumbai City FC
Chandigarh Allows 10% More Registrations Of Non-Electric Two-Wheelers, ‘Unjust’ Say Traders
M S Swaminathan: The Champion Indian Agriculture Lacks Today
Dutee Chand Writes: On Marriage Equality, I Am Disappointed But Still Hopeful
Denied Abortion Of 27-Week-Foetus: In India, Reproductive Autonomy Remains A Pipedream
FOLLOW US
Facebook
Twitter
Linkedin
Instagram
DOWNLOAD APPS
Android
iPhone
NewsguardNewsguard
The Indian Express website has been rated GREEN for its credibility and trustworthiness by
Newsguard, a global service that rates news sources for their journalistic standards.
EXPRESS GROUP
The Indian Express
ieTamil.com
The Financial Express
ieBangla.com
Loksatta
ieMalayalam.com
Jansatta
ieGujarati.com
inUth
The ExpressGroup
MyInsuranceClub
Newsletters
26/11 Stories of Strength
Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards
Online Classes for Kids
Light House Journalism
Compare Term Insurance
QUICK LINKS
T&C
Privacy Policy
Advertise with Us
Brand Solutions
Contact Us
Subscribe
Statutory provisions on reporting (sexual offenses)
This website follows the DNPA’s code of conduct
CSR
Copyright © 2023 The Indian Express [P] Ltd. All Rights Reserved
Powered by WordPress.com VIP