T20 World Cup 2021, New Zealand vs Scotland (Super 12) Preview: NZ looks to virtually end SCO's semis race
New Zealand has scripted its first win of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, as it is in the race for the semis. Meanwhile, it would take on Scotland in the Super 12 on Wednesday, as the former looks to oust the latter.
FollowNew Zealand remains in the semis race, having scripted its maiden win against India on Sunday. Meanwhile, it faces off against Scotland on Wednesday in its Group 2's Super 12 clash of the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup at the Dubai International Stadium. A loss for Scotland would virtually knock it out of the semis race, as we present the match preview of this game.
Current form
The Kiwis have played a couple of games in the Super 12, winning and losing a match each. However, it lost both its warm-up games before, thus making it somewhat unstable. As for Scotland, it has lost both its games in the stage so far, while it stayed unbeaten in the Group Stage, winning all three matches. But, going by the current form, NZ starts as the clear favourite.
LIVE SCORECARD: ICCÂ T20 World Cup 2021, New Zealand vs Scotland (Super 12)
Team strength & weaknesses, and players to watch out
As far as the teams are concerned, New Zealand has a balanced side. While its batting might be its weak link, as it has just a couple of specialist batters, its bowling is tremendously powerful. As for the players to watch out, skipper Kane Williamson, along with Martin Guptill, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee.
On the other hand, Scotland, too, has an even side. Although it is its batting that has fared well, its bowling would need to ante up. Skipper Kyle Coetzer, Richie Berrington, Michael Leask, Josh Davey, Matthew Cross, Chris Greaves, and Mark Watt are the top players to watch out for.
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Injury concerns, head-to-head, weather and pitch report
None of the sides has any notable injury concerns. The two sides have clashed just once to date in the tournament itself a few years back, with the Kiwis having the upper hand. The weather in Dubai would be heated, with an expected temperature of 33 degrees and 61% humidity. The pitch would be mostly even, while it could be of some assist to the bowlers initially, as the side winning the toss would prefer to chase.
Probable XI
New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Tim Seifert (wk), Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee and Trent Boult.
Scotland: George Munsey, Calum MacLeod, Matt Cross (wk), Richie Berrington (c), Michael Leask, Craig Wallace, Chris Greaves, Josh Davey, Mark Watt, Safyaan Sharif and Brad Wheal.
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Fantasy XI
Batters: Guptill, Berrington, Williamson, Munsey- Guptill will rule as an opener, while Williamson would dominate in the top-order. Berrington and Munsey can dominate in either top or middle.
Wicketkeeper: Cross- He is the only man who happens to be in the form in the department.
All-rounders: Leask, Mitchell, Greaves- Leask and Greaves have dominated across departments, while Mitchell would do the same with the bat as an opener.
Bowlers: Southee, Boult (c), Sodhi (vc)- Southee and Boult would rattle it with their pace, while the latter's effectiveness makes him the skipper. As for Sodhi, he has risen to form with his spin, while his brilliance makes him Boult's deputy.
Match details
Date and day: November 3, 2021 (Wednesday)
Venue: Dubai International Stadium
Time: 3.30 PM (IST)
Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi (Also available in HD, along with regional languages)
Where to watch (Online): Hotstar
