New Zealand will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Pakistan on 26th October.
Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming feels that the skill level of the New Zealand team is very high and all they need to do is just get the balance right and play well in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2021.
Stephen Fleming, after guiding Chennai Super Kings to their fourth Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) title, has joined the New Zealand camp and will assist head coach Gary Stead in their T20 World Cup 2021 campaign. The southpaw would be hoping to guide the national team to their maiden ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The Kane Williamson-led side is placed in the Group B of the Super 12s. They will kick start their campaign against Pakistan on 26th October. However, before starting their campaign they will play two warmup games against England and Australia respectively.
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Talking to stuff.co.nz, Stephen Fleming admitted that they never had as much talent as in their World Cup squad. He added that they need to get the right balance and the players will entertain everyone.
"It's a good squad. We've never had as much talent as this within New Zealand Cricket, so getting the right balance and the way you want to play the game is very important. The skillset and what these guys put out, and entertain us with, is very high," Stephen Fleming said.
Fleming noted that adjusting to the conditions in UAE will be the main challenge for the Kiwis ahead of the tournament. He also talked about the importance of getting off to a good start and making use of the "great opportunity" he's got with the team.
“Coming to grips with these conditions will be the challenge in warmup games... is going to be very important, and there's a couple of key games first up so dealing with pressure and starting the tournament well is a priority.
There's a little bit of time before my MIQ (Managed Isolation and Quarantine) spot and it's just a great opportunity. We've talked for a while about sharing ideas and coming into the camp and watching these players who I'm a big fan of," he said.
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Stephen Fleming concluded by saying he will be assessing the things in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. He added that he’s very proud to be back in New Zealand colors.
“I'm doing five days now pre-World Cup and talk about the conditions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi which we've been playing in, and also cast an eye over and get some ideas back from him (Stead). I'm very proud to get the Black Caps kit back on as well,” he concluded.
Here’s the New Zealand squad for the T20 World Cup:
Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee
(PTI inputs)