How to fix Black Caps’ chase woes

Seven Twenty20 internationals it’s been without a win, now, for the Black Caps. Four of those when chasing a target.

Stretching back to January 2018, the men in black have lost 11 T20s when batting second; seven of those by 20 runs or fewer.

In T20 World Cup year that’s alarming and increasingly bemusing, that seemingly elementary chases with the best batsmen in, and wickets in hand, has led to such chokes. India may have a quality bowling attack but that’s no excuse for not closing it out in Hamilton and Wellington.

In nine months’ time across the Tasman the pressure will intensify, and if New Zealand can’t discover the thrill of the chase then a repeat of their 2016 semifinal berth looks beyond them.

So how do they address it, when Australia arrive for three T20s starting on March 24?

SACK THE LOT OF ‘EM

A kneejerk reaction that rears its head when the Black Caps embark on a poor run in a particular format.

As it stands, Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson, Tim Seifert and Ross Taylor are lock-ins for the T20 World Cup, for better or worse. Coach Gary Stead has already stated the majority of their squad won’t be changing, citing a small pool of international quality players.

Guptill’s looked a million dollars but not kicked on, frustratingly, and Munro produced a robust 64 off 47 in Wellington in between some mediocre knocks. Munro hasn’t strung together match-defining innings for some time, but does enough to stay in the frame.

Tim Seifert looked at home at No 3 in Wellington and Mount Maunganui, which causes headaches when Williamson is fit. Some flexibility with the order is needed, with Seifert and the skipper interchanging when needed.

Taylor had a frustrating series. He showed his power at Bay Oval then ran out of partners, and was there for all three run chases with a chance to win it, but couldn’t see it through. Williamson, despite his wonderful Hamilton knock, couldn’t finish either which shows how the after-effects of the Australian test mauling goes right to the top.

Mindset is a key thing. They’re good enough, but losing in tight run chases is a habit and after a while it snowballs.

Eyeing just 165 in Mount Maunganui there were brain explosions: Guptill not reviewing his high lbw and Munro not advising him strongly; Seifert pushing to cover and running out Tom Bruce. Seifert and Taylor looked to have rescued it then the jitters resumed.

FRESH FACES