New Zealand confident despite Vettori absence
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The Big Picture
There are formalities, then there's the major Test nations qualifying for the quarter-finals from Group A. While the numbers are crunched in the other side of the tournament there is precious little nail-biting going on in this group. New Zealand could have had a few difficult moments in progressing given their poor form heading into the World Cup, but they already stand on six points after the impressive victory over Pakistan.
This match against Canada shouldn't cause them to lose much sleep even though their captain Daniel Vettori will be missing with a knee injury. His absence for one match is a minor problem compared to him being ruled out of the tournament which was a concern when he went down in the field against Pakistan. It was important for New Zealand to dispatch a leading team in the qualification to build confidence and there were many positive signs, from Ross Taylor's powerful century to the incisive new-ball bowling. As has often been said, New Zealand raise their game in World Cups.
Still, there are issues within the team - mainly in the consistency of the top order. Taylor's innings was magnificent, albeit against awful bowling, but it can't be one-off for New Zealand. They also need more from Jamie How, Scott Styris and James Franklin to spread the workload.
To be fair to Canada they have had their moments this tournament and New Zealand need to show them respect. Their new-ball attack of Henry Osinde and Harvir Baidwan can create problems with early movement; Baidwan was mighty impressive Pakistan. Rizwan Cheema has promised more than he has delivered, but Canada's middle order was calm in their successful chase against Kenya. In this match, though, coming out with respectability should be considered a success.
Form guide
(completed matches, most recent first)
Canada: WLLLL
New Zealand: WWLWW
Watch out for...
Nathan McCullum has quietly developed in a very useful player for New Zealand, both with his offspin and lower-order batting. In the absence of Vettori he'll have a senior role to play in the bowling attack, which will be valuable practice in case he is needed at important stages later in the tournament. The team will hope his batting down the list isn't required to provide too much, but he showed with his effort against Australia that he can build an innings and his striking power can also add the finishing touches in the closing overs.
Hanvir Baidwan has been consistent during the tournament with nine wickets at 20.22 and an economy rate of just over five-an-over. He caught Pakistan by surprise with three scalps and also took two against Kenya to help set up victory. New Zealand's top order is an inconsistent beast and it'll need to be careful not to take Baidwan lightly especially if there is any movement early on.
Team news
Having won the basement battle against fellow Associates Kenya there seems little reason for Canada to change a winning side. John Davison returned for that match, but in the middle order, and he'll be keen to produce a performance before the tournament is finished at the expense of a team he has a good record against.
Canada (probable) 1 Ruvindu Gunasekera, 2 Rizwan Cheema, 3 Zubin Surkari, 4 Ashish Bagai (wk), 5 Jimmy Hansra, 6 Tyson Gordon, 7 John Davison, 8 Harvir Baidwan, 9 Parth Desai, 10 Henry Osinde, 11 Balaji Rao
Vettori will be missing with his injured knee which could mean an outing for Luke Woodcock, the left-arm spinner, or a recall for fast bowler Hamish Bennett. Meanwhile, Jesse Ryder is recovering from the stomach bug that forced him to miss the Pakistan match and could replace the struggling Jamie How.
New Zealand (probable) 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Brendon McCullum (wk), 3 Jesse Ryder, 4 Ross Taylor (capt), 5 Scott Styris, 6 James Franklin, 7 Nathan McCullum, 8 Jacob Oram, 9 Luke Woodcock, 10 Kyle Mills, 11 Tim Southee
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