Black Caps Confidence Climbs as World Records and Recent Wins Readies Kiwis for the Cup

New Zealand CAN win the World Cup in 2015! The Rugby World Cup…. Probably! But the Cricket World Cup? Surely not…. Well Maybe. The Kiwis confidence is growing less than a month out from the tournament and why wouldn’t it be with some strong performances of late lifting their hopes ahead of Cricket’s Showpiece. They’ve have seen off 2011 finalist Sri Lanka and broken World Records in recent days so what are their chances of causing a shock at the World Cup.

Sri Lanka Series Shows Kiwis are Ready

The Black caps have already wrapped up their current 7 game One Day International series with Sri Lanka in New Zealand, having won four matches heading into the final encounter on Thursday. The hosts have been unstoppable since the Sri Lankans landed a victory in game 2, winning three straight showdowns after the third fixture was abandoned due to rain. The Kiwis have dominated the last 2 games winning by a combined total of 228 runs. The fifth match will be remembered for a long time. With the home nation struggling at 5 for 90 it looked as if Sri Lanka were going to get back in the series before two men in the middle made a marvellous world record.

Elliot and Ronchi’s Record

Having lost half their wickets without hitting triple figures in game 5 the Kiwis needed a saviour… They got two. Luke Ronchi and Grant Elliot combined for a 267 run stand, a world record for the sixth wicket partnership. All-rounder Elliot registered his second One Day century but it was Ronchi’s knock that will be replayed for a long time. The Wicketkeeper secured his maiden ton and then kicked on to remain unbeaten on 170 in an innings that included 9 sixes. New Zealand finished on 360, Sri Lanka could only muster 252 in reply.

World Cup Preparation against Pakistan

At the conclusion of their Series with Sri Lanka the boys in black will play Pakistan twice, as further preparation for the World Cup. The fixtures will take place on January 31 and February 3 in New Zealand. The home side already boasts a recent series win over their opponents having beat Pakistan in December. New Zealand won the 5 game Series 3-2 in the United Arab Emirates coming from 2-1 down.

The World Cup Co-hosts should secure wins over Scotland, Afghanistan and Bangladesh in the Pool games but know tougher tests will come against Australia England and Sri Lanka; though they will hold a psychological edge over the latter. With all their group games on home soil the Black Caps will have plenty of support throughout the competition. Having won 6 of their last 7 ODI’s they’ve proven they can put a winning run together and will be hoping for a similar spell at the World Cup.

New Zealand have never won the World Cup, nor have they ever played in a final. Could 2015 be the year they upset the favourites and be crowned champions for the first time?