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Black Caps take horses-for-courses approach

Ian Anderson

No matter how the Black Caps fared against Pakistan, their firstchoice XI may change when they meet India on Monday.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead told Stuff ahead of their opening match of the men’s Twenty20 World Cup this morning that the make-up of the side could change depending on where and when they play.

The world test champions will play at three different venues in their group at the tournament, hosted in the United Arab Emirates and Oman. After facing Pakistan in Sharjah, they next meet India in Dubai on Monday morning, while their final group match is in Abu Dhabi against Afghanistan.

In between, New Zealand will meet Scotland in Dubai and Namibia in Sharjah.

‘‘I think all three grounds provide you with slightly different challenges and options, when it looks at who you think is your best lineup,’’ Stead said.

‘‘This first game at Sharjah, there’s been some really interesting scores of late through the IPL and even at the start of this Twenty20 World Cup as well. ‘‘We’ve done our homework around which pitch we’re on and what we think will happen.’’

In the two Super 12 tournament matches played at Sharjah ground with its short boundaries, the winning scores have been 190-4 and 172-5, with Scotland collapsing to be dismissed for 60 chasing in their encounter in a night game against Afghanistan.

‘‘There’s been some very highscoring ones at times and some low-scoring ones,’’ Stead said.

‘‘I think the pitches are such that if you can get a really good score on the board, then things can happen pretty quickly and run-chasing isn’t always easy.

‘‘But equally what we’ve found, with the last couple of trainings we’ve been at, the dew is becoming more and more of a factor.’’

The lack of runs in England’s win over the West Indies in Dubai was more down to an imploding batting display from the Windies rather than any terror in the wicket, while both Australia and South Africa found it hard to manufacture runs in Abu Dhabi.

‘‘To win this tournament you need to be prepared to change options. It’s something we’ve talked about and looked out with players and coaching staff to put what we think is our best team out on the park.’’

Sport

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2021-10-27T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-10-27T07:00:00.0000000Z

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