New Zealand Facing Semifinal Threat After Three Straight Losses

The day isn't always evident in the morning. One excellent illustration of that is New Zealand.

With a nine-wicket victory over 2019 champions England in the World Cup opener in Ahmedabad last month, the Black Caps had a thrilling start to the competition. Back then, it appeared as though they were the team to beat, along with India.

In nearly every game, the Conways, Rachin Ravindras, and Santners were hitting the mark. However, not much has gone New Zealand's way since that defeat at the hands of India in Dharamsala on October 22, when they committed some simple mistakes. They now face a threat to their chances of making it to the semifinals after suffering two more losses.

Even after giving up 388 runs to Australia, New Zealand rallied, thanks in large part to crucial blows from Ravindra and Jimmy Neesham, who brought them within five runs of victory. However, on Wednesday in Mumbai against South Africa, a defeat by

190 runs has severely hurt the Black Caps.

Despite losing three straight games with a positive net run rate, they are still in the top four. However, a loss in Bangalore on Saturday to Pakistan, who have gained some confidence after thrashing Bangladesh at the Eden last Tuesday, could complicate things for New Zealand.

Naturally, they will play their league stage final match on November 9 in Bangalore against a struggling Sri Lankan team. But their net run rate will be further impacted by a loss to Pakistan.

Australia is in front of them at number three in the rankings with eight points as well. The remaining two matches for the Australians are against Afghanistan in Mumbai on November 7 and England in Ahmedabad on Saturday.

It will be good news for New Zealand if Australia loses one or both of the two. However, if Pakistan wins its final two games and New Zealand wins just one, that might level the playing field for the latter.

In order to secure a semifinal spot, New Zealand would like to get back to their previous level of play and defeat both Pakistan and Sri Lanka without needing a favor from any other team or net run rate.

To be fair to the runners-up in 2019, they have been beset by injuries as the list grew longer, with Tim Southee and regular captain Kane Williamson joining pacer Matt Henry and Jimmy Neesham, who returned to the XI against the Proteas but looked far from sharp.

Kyle Jamieson, a pacer, will cover for Henry as he had his right hamstring scanned. Nevertheless, Lockie Ferguson's scan on his right achilles did not show any serious injuries, so New Zealand is hoping he will play on Saturday.

Williamson (thumb injury) and Mark Chapman (calf) are being kept under observation while New Zealand hopes to play Pakistan again. The team's morale will undoubtedly rise if Williamson does make a comeback.

Neesham was hit on his right wrist during Wednesday's game while trying to take a return catch of Rassie van der Dussen, but an X-ray revealed that he did not have any broken bones. After that, he batted at No. 9 in the lower order of the order.

We in New Zealand sincerely hope that this isn't another case of indisposition.

Marsh takes an extended leave of absence.

Ahmedabad: Australia's in-form all-rounder Mitchell Marsh left for home on Thursday for an indefinite period due to personal reasons, dealing the team another blow after Glenn Maxwell's absence for their upcoming World Cup match against England due to concussion.

Marsh may miss the entire competition because Cricket Australia did not provide an estimated time of return.

The CA stated in a statement, "A timeline on his return to the squad is to be confirmed."

Cameron Green might be called up to the squad for this Saturday's game against England, the team's bitter rivals, in Marsh's place.

Shape-again Marcus Stoinis, though, expressed optimism that Marsh might make it back to India in time for the World Cup.

As we all know, family is the most important thing in the world, and Stoinis addressed reporters on Thursday regarding his family issue.

"He's returning home, seeing the people he needs to see, and acting morally. He stated, "I don't think there's a specific date for his return, but I'm sure he'll finish his tasks at home before leaving again.

Prior to leaving for home, Marsh reportedly informed Stoinis that he would be "coming back to win this World Cup."

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Press Time staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.