Toss – Scotland opt to bowl

This will be a challenge for New Zealand. They will have to set a total first up against the Scots. They are unchanged but Scotland welcome back skipper Kyle Coetzer. Davey is out with a niggle and hence Evans comes in as well.

New Zealand (Playing XI): Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson(c), Devon Conway(w), James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult

Scotland (Playing XI): George Munsey, Kyle Coetzer(c), Matthew Cross(w), Richie Berrington, Calum MacLeod, Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Safyaan Sharif, Alasdair Evans, Bradley Wheal

Build up

The equation is indeed pretty simple for New Zealand now. Win the remaining three games in this round and progress to the semifinal. After losing to Pakistan in their first game, New Zealand fought back hard to dampen India’s hopes with a resounding win in their last game. With Pakistan sealing their spot in the last four, they have simplified things for New Zealand. And that quest towards the semifinal starts today, with an easier fixture.

Scotland did make a bright start to their campaign by defeating Bangladesh which was then followed by wins over PNG and Oman but they have found life difficult in the Super 12 stage. They were humbled by Afghanistan last week and then lost a tight encounter to Namibia as well. That big defeat against Afghanistan almost sealed their fate and now they would just want to play for pride having reached this far. The next five days are extremely crucial for the Scots as they will be up against India and Pakistan as well apart from New Zealand.

Will New Zealand add more pressure on India with a resounding win today before the clash later tonight? Or will the Scots spring a surprise? We will find out over the next four hours.

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