Watched NZ's innings, was indeed disappointing. KW was batting quite beautifully and handling the spinners with ease, really showing glimpses of his IPL form and Phillips was just starting to get comfortable. Most sides would back themselves to win from there (9 an over off the last 8 with 8 wickets in hand). But then it's a bit of a confused middle order at this point and these sorts of things happen when you're on a losing streak. Also Pakistan have just about the perfect T20 attack at the moment.
Agree with this. I recall watching McCullum in his first couple of international series in Australia and then against England in early 2002. Couldn't look past the rawness and didn't imagine he'd make it in internationals at all. Might be a similar story with Phillips and I wouldn't mind if they gave him enough chances to find out.
There's no reason for anyone to give a **** about T20 series' - not the players, not us as fans, and hardly even NZC. Who won the last T20 World event? I can't remember. I couldn't care less. It's like rugby league - the international product is almost meaningless, shoehorned in around the main products (State of Origin and NRL). But T20 internationals are even more meaningless because they have no historical relevance.
Lol the tri series! I forgot all about that! And the other day I was thinking about the NZ England game in Wellington which I have very vague memories of attending, because someone mentioned it was apparently Williamson’s last decent score in a Blackcaps 20-20.
I agree, I remember every year's ford trophy, super smash and plunkett shield winners. I remember one day international series' to a certain extent and test series absolutely but t20 international games hasn't registered with me. I wouldn't be able to tell when they last played prior to Pakistan series without one reminding. Wonder why that is so? Is it because the bilateral ODI series' means nothing? Doesn't sound like the international T20s took off.
Well considering we’ve lacked finishing power for a good 18-24 months now and it’s our number one weakness I’d say it’s a big worry. Nicholls isn’t a number six in the modern game of ODI. We’re going to a World Cup in less than 12 months time and it will be 350 plays 350. He has no chance of playing a 80 off 40 ball knock. Solid enough cricketer but just no what we need at six.
I wouldn't even have him in the squad at this point. Dude's been coasting with a 50 odd average for years. Adam Milne is made of glass but when he's fit and around - there's no reason he shouldn't be ahead of Southee.
