Daryl Mitchell on Friday backed injury-plagued New Zealand “to do a job” against Pakistan today in a World Cup clash which is key to both sides’ hopes of making the semi-finals.
New Zealand have been hit by setbacks throughout the tournament and after winning their first four games have since lost three in succession.
On Friday, fast bowler Matt Henry was ruled out with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Kyle Jamieson.
Regular captain Kane Williamson (thumb), all-rounder Mark Chapman (calf), fast bowler Lockie Ferguson (Achilles) and all-rounder James Neesham (wrist) are also on the injury list.
That left New Zealand with just 11 fit players before their last game against South Africa which they lost by 190 runs.
“A number of guys have got to get through fitness tests and pass them and we probably won’t know till tonight and tomorrow morning how they pull up,” said Mitchell.
“We back everyone within our squad to have success and do a job for the team.
“We’re all pretty clear on the roles that we’re going to play if given the opportunities and yeah, we’ll just go out there get stuck in as Kiwis do and hope we come around the right side.”
India have already wrapped up one of the semi-final places and South Africa are virtually assured of also making the last four.
That has left Australia and New Zealand both on eight points but under pressure from Pakistan and Afghanistan in the race for the final two spots.
“Look, for us, every game in this tournament is vitally important,” said Mitchell, who has 346 runs in six innings.
“They’re all worth two points. And for us, again, it’s just showing up and playing the Black Caps style of cricket.”
‘Like living under Covid’, say Pakistan due to ‘stifling’ World Cup security
Pakistan team director Mickey Arthur on Friday described the tight security facing his team at the World Cup in India as “stifling”, leaving players feeling as if they are “back in Covid times”.
Arthur’s comments came a day ahead of the team’s crucial match against New Zealand which Pakistan must win to keep their hopes alive of reaching the semi-finals.
Several Pakistan players have already suffered fever and flu at various stages of the tournament which fast bowler Hasan Ali attributed to “room sickness.”
Players are not allowed to venture out of their hotel without heavy security, forcing them to spend most of their time in hotel rooms.
“As a Pakistan team, we play a hell of a lot of cricket so being on the road is nothing new for these guys,” said Arthur.
“What has been tough is the fact that we’ve been under a massive amount of security. So, I’ve been sort of taken aback.
“I found it difficult. It’s almost like we’ve been back in the Covid times, where you were almost secluded to your floor and your team room.
“So much so that their breakfast is in a separate room to everybody else. That’s been the tough aspect.”
Pakistan are playing a tournament in India for the first time since 2016.
Arthur said that outside of playing and training, the team have not had many outings since their arrival in the last week of September.
“The boys are used to being on the road but when they’re on the road, they’ve still been able to get out and go and have meals, for example, at different places, and get out on their own accord.”
Related Story