Match preview: New Zealand v Scotland

2015 World Cup

Cricket365
February 17, 2015

Venue

University Oval, Dunedin

Team news

The sixth match of the World Cup is probably the first match-up that's as unbalanced on paper as it is in reality. With Ireland beating the West Indies, it's not impossible for Scotland to win, but it's unlikely.

New Zealand beat Sri Lanka in their opening match, and are riding high with most of their players in good form. As such, they're likely to let veteran Dan Vettori have a rest in Dunedin, while giving Kyle Mills a game.

Scotland come into the fixture on the back of a big win over Ireland in the warm-ups, thought they did lose to the Windies. They have two talented openers in Kyle Coetzer and Calum McLeod, though Trent Boult and Tim Southee are their toughest opponents yet.

Last encounter

The sides have only faced each other twice, New Zealand winning both encounters. The last time was in 2008 in Aberdeen, when the Kiwis won by eight wickets. That game saw Jacob Oram and Grant Elliott take three wickets each as Scotland were all out for 101. A Ross Taylor half ton saw the Kiwis win in the 15th over.

World Cup meetings

The other match was at the World Cup in 1999, where New Zealand won by six wickets in Edinburgh. Scotland were all out for 121, thanks to Chris Harris taking four wickets and Geoff Allot three. Roger Twose made 54 to stave off a shock collapse and secure the win.

Key players

For the hosts, all-rounder Corey Anderson was superb against Sri Lanka, and if he plays this game then he'll have a chance to rack up some big runs. One of the best hitters in the game, Scotland's bowlers will hope the big blonde man is rested.

Scotland opener Calum MacLeod has hit form at the right time, coming into the game on the back of three good scores in the warm-ups, while a string of single figures before that. When he started his career he was a medium-pacer who batted number nine, and now he doesn't bowl at all.

Umpires

Nigel Llong and Simon Fry, Marais Erasmus (3rd Umpire), David Boon (match referee)

Weather

Rain won't dampen this fixture, though temperatures are not set to reach the mid-20s all day. Another chilly one in the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Prediction

New Zealand shouldn't have much trouble with this fixture, despite Scotland's admirable efforts. The hosts to record a second win on the trot.