New Zealand leaves Pune sore and sorry after notching up its third World Cup defeat in succession in opposition to South Africa and with a mounting harm toll weighing on its possibilities of reaching the semifinals.
Pace bowler Matt Henry is unlikely to characteristic in Saturday’s crunch match in opposition to Pakistan after injuring his proper hamstring within the 190-run thumping by the Proteas on Wednesday.
Kyle Jamieson has been referred to as up from New Zealand as cowl for Henry and will arrive with the squad late on Thursday, the group stated.
Jimmy Neesham is nursing a bruised proper wrist after being struck by the ball whereas bowling within the first innings.
While an X-ray cleared him of damaged bones, selectors could have little alternative however to play the all-rounder given harm queries over Mark Chapman (calf) and Kane Williamson (thumb), who have been dominated out of the South Africa recreation.
Paceman Lockie Ferguson, in the meantime, is nursing a proper Achilles harm, although he was cleared of serious injury by a scan and selectors hope he might be accessible for Pakistan.
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“It’s sad to see guys get injured but at the same time it gives people other opportunities as well,” all-rounder Daryl Mitchell advised reporters.
“We’re a pretty close group and we back each other and we’ve done it for a long period of time now.”
After successful their first 4 video games in an ideal begin, the Black Caps have crumbled in opposition to heavyweights India, Australia and the Proteas. They now cling to fourth place within the standings, two factors forward of Pakistan.
The prime 4 attain the semifinals.
The heavy defeat to South Africa has additionally seen their run-rate take a serious hit and one other huge loss in opposition to Pakistan may see the south Asians leapfrog them into the highest 4.
Having gained the toss in opposition to South Africa, captain Tom Latham shocked by electing to subject in opposition to opponent that always struggles to chase down totals.
Not that Glenn Phillips was questioning the captain’s name after South Africa put 357 for 4 on the board.
“Obviously South Africa are incredibly strong batting first, but we’ve got an incredibly good bowling line-up and there was no reason that we couldn’t have restricted them to a total that could have been a lot easier to chase on there,” stated the center order batsman.
New Zealand can sick afford to slide up once more however is assured its World Cup destiny stays in its fingers.
Wins within the final two matches in opposition to Pakistan and Sri Lanka must be sufficient for the semifinals.
“We’ve got our own brand and if we stick to it, we know that we’re fighters, we keep coming back time and time again, and when it matters most, we really put the foot down,” stated Phillips.
Source web site: sportstar.thehindu.com
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