New Zealand hopes to win the 2019 World Cup after losing the semi-finals six times and the finals against Australia in 2015.
New Zealand team is inspired to win the World Cup starting this May 30 with their strong battling line-up and bowling attack that will flourish in seam-friendly English conditions.
“If we play close to our potential, then hopefully we can do New Zealand proud,” said coach Gary Stead on account of how the Black Caps lost the semi-finals six times and were soundly beaten by Australia after reaching the decider in 2015.
“Hopefully we can go one step further than we did four years ago in New Zealand. We were pipped at the last one but I think the players will use that as motivation,” said batsman Ross Taylor who played in the 2015 World Cup regarding the seven wicket loss in the final.
Former Black Caps captain McCullum had a high-risk approach which proved disastrous in the final against Michael Clarke’s combative Australians, when the team failed to recover after he was dismissed for a three-ball duck.
“We need the key people playing well during World Cup, and luck will be a big factor as well,” Taylor continued.
New captain Kane Williamson has an attacking philosophy while remaining level-headed that could be the crucial difference in the tournament.
Meanwhile, former England captain Mike Gatting stated that New Zealanders are second only to the host nation.
“You can no longer call them dark horses as their players are so experienced,” he told The Cricketer magazine.
The Black Caps has improved since their loss in 2015 where they now have a strong one-day international record and series whitewashes against Pakistan, West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Additionally, they will enter the tournament ranked fourth in the world, following England, India, and South Africa.
