 New Zealand will face another uphill task of beating inform England at New Wanderers, Johannesburg. A loss here for New Zealand will throw them out of the tournament as Sri Lanka have far better net run rate than the kiwis. However after seeing the performance of both teams against the tournament favorites it will be interesting to see which team will have better day in the office.
New Zealand after defeat by the hands of South Africans bounced back strongly to impose a huge 315 runs against Sri Lanka riding on their top order blistering form. B.McCullum, J.Ryder, M.Guptill and D.Vettori played exceptionally well in that game. However, with Ryder ruled out of the squad due to a groin injury sustained on Sunday, New Zealand will have to sort out a new strategy. But his replacement Aaron Redmond has brought into the tournament in place of him and he is also an attacking player like Ryder but he has to perform on the field to show his talent. In bowling department Shane Bon is main headache for the New Zealand skipper as he has conceded lots of runs in the game against Sri Lanka, rest of the bowling units is looking formidable and are in good form. On the other hand England is very high on confidence after beating tournament two best team and one of which is already bounced out by the England but they can also help other team (Sri Lanka) if they manage to beat kiwis in crucial game at Johannesburg. Pitch & Condition Both teams have enjoyed their game at New Wanderers Stadium at Johannesburg, with both winning their last game they have played here. The pitch will assist the fast bowlers depending on the accuracy of the bowlers. Team winning the toss would love to bat first and put runs on the board. Teams M.Prior is still not fully fit that means Andrew Staruss will go with same XI that knocked out South Africa of the tournament. New Zealand on the other hand few concerns with their opening combination as well as Darell Tuffey. Their replace opener has not arrived in the country yet but expected to reach on match day. Darell Tuffey who was hit on hand by ball during practice session is likely to be missed out the game. If that happens then Ian Butler will get a game. Likely Playing XI for both Teams (Match is Schedule to begin at 18:00 PM India Time) England Squad: Andrew Strauss (Captain), Joe Denly, Owais Shah, Paul Collingwood, Eoin Morgan (WK), Ravi Boapra Luke Wright, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Graham Onions. New Zealand Squad: Brendon McCullum, Aaron Redmond, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Neil Broom, Daniel Vettori (Captain), James Franklin, Kyle Mills, Shane Bond, Ian Butler. |
