New Zealand can be winners, says McCullum

Manchester, June 23 

Former captain Brendon McCullum says New Zealand have the firepower to win the World Cup for the first time in their history. The Black Caps won a nail-biter against the West Indies on Saturday to stay unbeaten at the 50-overs tournament. “Some people say underdogs but probably they don’t see New Zealand play that often. Broadcast-wise they are not seen as often as some of the other teams and hence they are out of sight out of mind thing,” McCullum said. “The World Cup historically for New Zealand has always been very, very good. I think we are second in most wins behind Australia in World Cup matches,” he added.

The cricketer-turned-commentator said his former side were gaining in confidence after a fine start and would peak for the semifinals. McCullum said, “He (Kane Williamson) is a magnificent player, turned into a fine leader. He is definitely more of an elegant type of cricketer. He is almost surgeon-like. He is among the most consistent players around we talk about. (Joe) Root and (Virat) Kohli and Steve Smith, all of them are quite similar. They are very much batsmen rather than power-hitters.”

NZ fined for slow-over rate 

New Zealand have been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate in Saturday’s World Cup victory over West Indies at Old Trafford, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said. Match referee David Boon adjudged that the Kiwis had bowled one over short of their target after time allowances were taken into consideration. Skipper Kane Williamson pleaded guilty and was fined 20% of his match fees while his team mates were handed 10% fines. — Agencies