With six wins on the trot, New Zealand has emerged as one of the top contenders for the World Cup title.
Many analysts feel that the current team of New Zealand is its best ever in one day internationals. It also has the advantage of playing at home.
Many sides normally buckle under the pressure of playing at home especially in a tournament like the World Cup, but the Kiwis seem to have no such inhibitions. They are playing aggressive cricket and more importantly are enjoying their game.
Confidence is writ large on the faces of the Kiwis this time around. In fact, their current form is reminiscent of their performance in the 1992 world cup.
Hosted by Australia and New Zealand, the Kiwis were then led by the charismatic Martin Crowe, one of the finest cricketers ever. Under his captaincy, New Zealand similarly won seven matches in a row before eventually losing to Pakistan in their final league game. In the semifinals, they again lost to Pakistan which eventually went on to win the cup.
This time around though, the Kiwis seem to be tougher mentally and one guy in particular deserves mention. He is their batsman Kane Williamson.
In recent times, Kane has been one of the finest finds for New Zealand. His batting average is nothing short of phenomenal and helped New Zealand win their first ever test series in West Indies last year.
Kane has been brilliantly consistent in all formats of the game and has the ability to deliver under pressure. Against Australia, with nine wickets down and needing six runs to win, Kane Williamson finished the match with a six. He has been a major factor in the remarkable transformation of the New Zealand side.
Suffice to say that if New Zealand is looking to win the title this time around, Kane will have to deliver! So far, he has been in good form and it is Williamson who will make the difference between success and defeat for New Zealand.
Written By A Sridhar
