Ian Smith has left out New Zealand from his top-four semi-finals of ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023. The former New Zealand wicketkeeper said that New Zealand aren’t upto their with concerning injuries and limited bowling options. However, he didn’t deny that they could stun other teams and make their way to the top four or even finals of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023.

Despite being a New Zealander, Smith decided to go with India, Australia, England and South Africa as his four semi-finalists. Most of the times when the matter is related to ODI World Cup, hardly any pundit can leave out Australia. At crucial stages, Australians elevate their game profoundly as an unit and they are the one of the best teams which has a good line of match winners.

Talking about New Zealand’s first encounter with England in Ahemdabad on October 5, Smith said that the defending champions have a psychological advantage over Blackcaps. In mid-November 4 match ODI series between both teams hosted by England, New Zealand chased down a stiff target in the first ODI.

However, they lost subsequent three matches of the series as England making a comeback, won the key series 3-1. In two warm-up matches New Zealand has played, their batting has been quite good, passing 300 runs mark on both occasions quite easily.

The big problem for them lies in their bowling department which is yet to find some form and from team’s perspective, the bowling unit hasn’t been settled yet. Trent Boult and Matt Henry have been no less than outstanding in their opening spells but when it comes middle overs, there are no disciplined wicket taking bowlers.

Before the first match of ODI World Cup 2023, New Zealand will like to solve this pernicious issue that can cause them some troubles in the tournament. Ish Sodhi did had a good series against Bangladesh, however, in two warm-up matches, he didn’t find his rhythm, bowling loose deliveries to and fro.

Smith suggests that New Zealand will field with 2 spinners in every game because it will be requisite for them. The management has tried Glenn Phillips in case Sodhi has a bad day but it is unlikely that in a big game, Australian, English or South African batters will spare him without doing a good harm.

Rachin Ravindra is another option for New Zealand and there is definitely some good quality in him because he is a disciplined bowler yet the tag of primary spinner is not suited to him. On the other hand, Lockie Ferguson’s bowling is has not found its apex. He has got the pace but he missing the control.

New Zealand is team full of suprises that oftenly does well in World Cup tournaments. Their batting line-up is intact, full of potential and experience. The matter of difference is going to be bowling as the tournament progresses.