West Indies is in a situation where they have to win every game and hope other top teams to lose their games to have a chance in reaching the semis.
New Zealand is undoubtedly at a better position, winning 4 out of 5 games with one washout, sure to reach the semis.
West Indies need to apply brains before they go out to bowl or bat in this game. They have lost matches from winning positions too often in this World Cup, and they are themselves to be blamed for such a casual approach. They should bowl bat first and score at least 275 to test the Kiwis batting line up which crumbled in chasing small targets (though they won all).
The Kiwis would be looking for another win to grab the number one spot in the points table. The kind of calmness Kane showed in the last game shows how much they are serious about winning every game of the tournament. The bowlers need to be tight in line and length against the West Indian batting line up which always looks for width and short ball to score runs.
The West Indies team smashed 421 runs against New Zealand in the warm-up of the current tournament.
The weather looks fine at Old Trafford, warm and sunny with light wind to be expected.
Players to watch out
Chris Gayle has not performed at all in this World Cup. West Indies think tank and fans expected him to score runs just like he did against England in the home series before IPL. If he scores big or even gives a solid start, then West Indies will have a chance to win the match.
Kane Williamson has been in great form in the tournament. His last innings against South Africa is one of the best innings played by a Kiwi player in the World Cup tournament. He would love to continue his form, and the kind of attack West Indies has, it shouldn’t be a problem.
New Zealand v West Indies in ODIs:
Overall: Matches 64, New Zealand Won 27, West Indies Won 30, No Result 7
World Cup: Matches 7, New Zealand Won 4, West Indies Won 3
Recent Form (most recent first): New Zealand W NR W W W, West Indies L L NR L W
ICC Rankings: New Zealand (3), West Indies (7)
Upcoming Records:
Martin Guptill has scored 942 runs in World Cup and needs 58 more to become the second New Zealand player to reach the 1,000 runs milestone.
Boult needs four more wickets to become the 5th highest wicket-taker for New Zealand in the World Cup.
Squads:
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Tom Blundell (wk), Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wk), Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.
West Indies – Jason Holder (capt), Fabian Allen, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Shannon Gabriel, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope (wk), Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Nicholas Pooran, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas.
