New Zealand’s campaign has hit a disheartening flatline after their early domination and the Black Caps will have to rediscover their bowling mojo for a World Cup reboot when they face a knocked-out Sri Lanka at the Chinnaswamy on Thursday.
Ahead of their last league match which is under rain threat, New Zealand are hobbling on eight points, aware of the fact that a defeat or a washout can throw them out of the tournament.
Rain has continued to pour in Bangalore for the last few days and there is forecast of rain and inclement weather on Thursday as well.
New Zealand are now fourth on the table. Pakistan (+0.036) and Afghanistan (-0.338), who also have eight points apiece, can also reach 10 points with wins over England and South Africa in their respective final league matches.
In that context, New Zealand (+0.398) have to win sufficiently big to take care of the net run-rate as well.
So, it is not an all-too-bright scenario for New Zealand, but a victory will at least keep them in the race to the semi-finals for the time being.
But it is not tough to see why New Zealand have faltered and ended up at where they are now.
Unlike backmarkers England, New Zealand’s batting has not really collapsed except against South Africa but their bowling lacked sting when it was needed.
The Black Caps made 400 against Pakistan at this venue but their bowlers continued the rudderless ways, leaking runs in plenty and left clueless against Fakhar Zaman’s onslaught.
An underwhelming Sri Lanka might not have similar firepower as Pakistan but unless the New Zealand bowlers regroup quickly, the islanders still can inflict some damage as they have efficient batters in Pathum Nissanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama.
Then there were reasons beyond the Kiwis’ control too for them playing Thursday’s match in an atmosphere of desperation as injuries to key players like Kane Williamson hampered the 2019 finalists.