All-Round New Zealand Prove Once More That They Are World Cup Contenders

New Zealand completed a crushing 143-run victory over West Indies in the final World Cup quarter-final on Saturday. After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, the Black Caps amassed 393 in 50 overs. In response, West Indies managed just 250 as they were undone by an all-round bowling and fielding performance from the Black Caps.

The win sets up a semi-final encounter with South Africa on Tuesday. It should be one of the most entertaining matches of the World Cup to date. New Zealand almost certainly hold the upper hand.

At the start of the tournament, the phrase to describe New Zealand was “dark horses.” They have long since proven that they are everything but dark horses, and they are in contention to lift the World Cup on Sunday next week.

Throughout the tournament, they have delivered team performances where every single player in the side has contributed. They are one of the most well-balanced sides, with an intimidating top order, a powerful all-rounder and a bowling attack that knows just how to outfox even the best teams.

They also have respect and love for their fans. Being in-tune with your support base can go a long way in fostering a positive mindset and the Black Caps have done that.

Saturday’s performance was probably one of the most complete New Zealand had managed all tournament. It might have only come against the West Indies but building an innings like Martin Guptill’s unbeaten 237 takes skill. While the support from his fellow batsmen was somewhat marginal, New Zealand can take solace from the fact that there will always be one player who stands up when it seems like things are falling apart. This will be crucial when they head into the semi-finals.

Somewhat surprisingly, the Black Caps have had just two hundreds this tournament, both scored by Guptill. There have been plenty of half-centuries (seven by five different players), but it is New Zealand’s stubbornness and depth that have seen them through. The fact that one player has stood up and made a statement in every single match will go a long way in the tournament's final stages.

The Black Caps have also been consistent performers in World Cups in recent years.

From a bowling perspective, New Zealand have been immense. Trent Boult and Tim Southee have crafted an intimidating partnership up front while Daniel Vettori's spin support has seen him take 15 wickets in seven games. They have ramped up their intensity in this World Cup and have already managed to stifle some of the best batsmen in the world.

Restricting Sri Lanka to 233 in their tournament opener and squeezing Australia to 151 all out are all matches from which they can take confidence as they prepare to face AB de Villiers and co.

New Zealand's depth gives them credentials to be World Cup contenders and Saturday's effort only served to prove this yet again.