T20 decider test of depth for NZ in face of adversity
New Zealand’s deciding T20 against Pakistan in Mt Maunganui will provide a gauge of the side’s depth, alongside their ability to respond to adversity and blank out distraction.
The visitors’ 48-run victory in Auckland on Thursday night showcased what fans had been expecting all tour.
They unleashed a spectacular batting display which left the hosts grappling with an unruly chase.
Talk of New Zealand’s 13-match victory streak will subside quickly if Pakistan win the T20 series 2-1, and regain the world No 1 ranking.
The Black Caps will also want to take momentum into the T20 triseries with Australia and England, starting this week in Sydney.
They enter the contest without Colin Munro and Glenn Phillips.
Munro suffered a hamstring strain to his right leg at Eden Park.
He has been replaced by Ross Taylor.
“With a busy schedule coming up, we want to make sure he gets it right before returning to the field,” selector Gavin Larsen said.
“We’ll assess Colin ahead of Monday when we announce the squad to go to Australia and at this stage we are optimistic he’ll be available.”
New Zealand are likely to promote Kane Williamson to open alongside Martin Guptill, with Taylor or Tom Bruce slotting in at No 3.
Williamson’s record opening in 26 T20s is outstanding with six of his seven half-centuries in the format coming in that position. He averages
39.86 compared to a career average of 33.58 and his strike rate is 122.
Taylor brings form from the opening T20 win over Pakistan in Wellington. He was 10 from as many balls in the chase for a 106-run target, before powering to 22 with three consecutive boundaries off Hasan Ali. The next ball was a wide which won the game.
Phillips consulted management about his own form and they agreed he could return to play for Auckland in the Ford Trophy.
Tom Blundell will add to his solitary T20 cap in the wicketkeepermiddle order batsman role. Presumably it was a close contest against in-form Northern Districts’ openergloveman Tim Seifert.
“After discussion with Glenn, we felt he’d benefit from going back and continuing to evolve his game,” New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said.
“Glenn has a big future, but at this point in time we both think continuing to get experience on the domestic scene is the right move.
“Tom’s ability to slot into the middle-order made him the right choice to come into the squad.”
The team will also be absorbing the prospect of new wealth with the opening day of the Indian Premier League auction overnight.
Twelve of the 14-man squad were available for bids — Blundell and Anaru Kitchen being the exceptions. No Pakistanis were in contention due to the country’s fractious relationship with India.
Whatever the result, the New Zealanders will need to channel any joy or filter out any disappointment by the time the match starts at 7pm.