World Cup 2019: West Indies hopes to take down the unbeaten Kiwis

Sri Lanka’s unexpected victory over England has given all the teams, on the verge of knock-out, hope that they still have a shot at the semis.

West Indies that has shown a decline in their performance with every match will take on New Zealand at Old Trafford, Manchester on Saturday (June 22) at 6 PM IST. The Windies have slightly more hope than other teams knowing that they have four matches which if they win they still have a shot at the semis.

If Jason Holder’s men win today’s match and their next three, they will secure a position in the top four and enter the semi-finals. It will be a challenge looking at the way New Zealand is performing and putting up a consistent game. On the other hand, New Zealand has a semi-final to prepare for, screams the points table.

Within the team competition, where Tim Southee and Henry Nicholls have recovered from their injuries and are ready to make a comeback, can make situations a bit difficult for captain Williamson. To bring in one of these two, he’ll have to let go off his unbeaten 11 squad and make changes which he won’t be keen on doing.

Since, New Zealand’s match with India was washed out they haven’t been able to play their big games and their upcoming Australia and England battles is what they’ll be looking out for.

The weather looks dry and the pitch will serve differently from the first two games. Though, the bowlers can expect some swing but it’s definitely a batsman’s game.

New Zealand: Tim Southee can be brought back to the team but Kane Williamson will be speculating much to change his unbeaten XI. Matt Henry will miss out, if Southee is brought in and that might backfire looking at his 22.85 average.

Possible XI: Colin Munro, Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, Jimmy Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santer, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry/Tim Southee, Trent Boult

West Indies: Jason Holder confirmed at the pre-match press conference that the Andre Russell will be on the bench for this match. Kemar Roach and Ashley Nurse will both be considered for change of bowling attack.

Possible XI: Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmeyer, Jason Holder, Carlos Brathwaite, Ashley Nurse, Sheldon Cottrell, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel