When and Where
Time: 6:30 AM (IST)
Venue: Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
Being the other undefeated side in the competition so far apart from India, New Zealand, with expectations like never before, should be watchful not to get carried away against a tricky opponent.
The Black Caps have often exhibited aggressive strategies and accurate execution, capped by spectacular all round performances to top Pool A. After the Kiwis warmed up with a thumping win over Sri Lanka, and a not so convincing display against Scotland, Tim Southee simply swung England away as they almost booked a quarter-final berth inside the first week of the tournament.
Mitchell Starc's one man show was not able to stop the home side registering the 4th win on the trot. After a customary win against UAE, Bangladesh played the role to perfection to keep the middle order in good nick ahead of the quarters.
West Indies is having a see-saw tournament so far as they recovered from a first match loss at the hands of Ireland to route Pakistan to 160, after posting 310/6. Chris Gayle ran riot against Zimbabwe. Despite suffering a humiliation at the hands of AB de Villiers and a loss against table toppers India, the Caribbean nation made it to the knockouts, courtesy, a win against UAE on the final day of the league phase.
The match could even be termed as the battle of unequal teams, but you never know when the opposition is West Indies.
Head to Head
Overall
Played: 60
New Zealand 23 - 30 West Indies
No Results - 7
In World Cup
Played - 6
New Zealand 3 - 3 West Indies
No Results/Ties - 0
Recent results (last five completed matches, most recent first)
New Zealand - WWWWW
West Indies - WLLWW
Weather Report
Maximum temperature will be 20 degrees and the lowest will be 14. No chance of rain, perfect conditions for the match.
Pitch
All three matches Wellington has hosted in the tournament so far, have been provided with good batting wickets. Sri Lanka registered the highest successful chase in a World Cup game for the loss of one wicket (312/1) and South Africa posted 341 against UAE. Another 300+ run chase might well be on the cards.
X - Factor
Tim Southee's record-breaking spell of 7/33, yes, on a batting friendly Wellington strip, ripped England apart. West Indian batsmen will find it difficult to score against the new ball and might lose wickets in a heap while attempting to counter.
Ever since Andre Russell settled in as the second all-rounder in the side. Darren Sammy's importance has diminished in both the departments. The hard-hitting batsman is expected to play a deciding role whether chasing or batting first.
The big number
3.21 - Daniel Vettori's economy in the competition. He has bowled 55 overs and picked up 13 wickets at 13.69 per dismissal.
The big number
3.21 - Daniel Vettori's economy in the competition. He has bowled 55 overs and picked up 13 wickets at 13.69 per dismissal.
New Zealand
No worries whatsoever. The opening combination is promising and the solid Kane Williamson at No.3 adds steel. Ross Taylor haven't really set the stage on fire but contributed with a crucial 56 in the last game against Bangladesh.
New Zealand's finishing skills, polished after the chase against Bangladesh should take New Zealand to semifinal.
New Zealand's finishing skills, polished after the chase against Bangladesh should take New Zealand to semifinal.
If the new ball pair can run through the top order, there will be no return for the West Indies side as Daniel Vettori will not giving anything away. Despite the deck aiding batsmen, foreign teams will struggle to settle in with the uneven bounce on the drop-in pitch, conceded the coach Mike Hesson.
Adam Milne has recovered from a shoulder injury and is all set to take his place in the XI from Mitchell McCleanaghan, Brendon McCullum indicated on Friday.
Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum (c), Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Corey Anderson, Luke Ronchi (wk). Daniel Vettori, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Trent Boult.
Much of the spotlight will be on Chris Gayle and his problematic back. If it holds up, the Caribbean unit might finally drop Dwayne Smith as Johnson Charles scored a quick-fire 55 in the must-win match against UAE.
Smith has been struggling for runs and it will be a huge gamble if he walks out to bat against two of the best swing bowlers. Kemar Roach did not produce any notable contribution in the three matches he has taken part of and could be replaced by any one of the two left-arm spinners available as the hosts are known to struggle against quality spin.
Sulieman Benn with a high arm release could come in handy to make use of the uneven bounce (if any on offer).
Probable XI
Chris Gayle/ Dwayne Smith, Johnson Charles, Marlon Samuels, Jonathan Carter, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Lendl Simmons, Darren Sammy, Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Sulieman Benn/ Kemar Roach, Jerome Taylor.
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