ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2021 will comprise a total of 31 matches, including the semi-finals and the final, beginning January 30 in New Zealand.

The 50-over tournament will be the game's fourth event to be fully or jointly hosted in New Zealand after two men's World Cups in 1992 and 2015, and women's event in 2000.

The World Cup 2021 will run from January 30 to February 20, a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) statement said.

The hosts New Zealand and four other top teams based on the ICC Women's Championship standings will gain direct qualification for the 2021 tournament.

Currently, the top four teams in the point table are - Australia (22), defending champions England (22), India (16) and South Africa (16).

While the remaining three teams will get a second chance through the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier event in which the sides will be joined by Bangladesh and Ireland, and the winner of each regional qualifier in 2019 - Africa, Americas, Asia, East Asia Pacific and Europe.

Sports event practitioners Liz Dawson and Andrea Nelson have been appointed as chair and chief executive, respectively, of the Cricket 2021 Ltd - the independent company set up to run the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/indian-womens-world-cup-team-meets-pm-modi-381&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjAtMSa_fLiAhVJv48KHc0cBo8QFjACegQICRAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw2_4AFROtOMjzbOaL5fCLpn">ICC Women's World Cup </a>2021 in New Zealand.

Dawson, who is a director of NZC, will chair a board comprising herself, former World Masters Games chief executive Jennah Wootten, Westpac Stadium Trust chief executive Shane Harmon, NZC chair Greg Barclay, and NZC chief executive David White.

Harmon is a current director of Netball New Zealand.

He has previously acted as GM Marketing and Communications of Rugby World Cup 2011 and was the Head of Marketing for the 2003 tournament in Australia.

Barclay and White were heavily involved in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 and the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2018.

Nelson, on the other hand, has been GM New Zealand for the Rugby League World Cup 2017, and Director of Marketing and Communications for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

She will assume her CEO duties later this month after completing her current commitments on the inaugural Oceania Cup and Great Britain Lions Rugby League Series.

"This tournament is well positioned to take women's cricket to the next level - by showcasing the world`s best to new audiences here in New Zealand and around the world," Nelson said.

"I'm excited to be part of this event, which we hope will provide a global platform for the women's game and inspire a new generation of girls and boys to give it a go," added Nelson.

"With this event, alongside the International Working Group on Women in Sport and Women's Rugby World Cup, New Zealand will have the chance to make its mark as a global leader in women's sport," she said.

Dawson said it is a privilege for New Zealand to host such a significant tournament.

"This a fantastic event with a truly global reach and will bring together in New Zealand some of the best athletes in the world. It's a real growth opportunity and we aim to do the International Cricket Council and world cricket in general, proud," Dawson said.

ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2021 will comprise a total of 31 matches, including the semi-finals and the final, beginning January 30 in New Zealand. The 50-over tournament will be the game's fourth event to be fully or jointly hosted in New Zealand after two men's World Cups in 1992 and 2015, and women's event in 2000.

ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2021 will comprise a total of 31 matches, including the semi-finals and the final, beginning January 30 in New Zealand. The 50-over tournament will be the game's fourth event to be fully or jointly hosted in New Zealand after two men's World Cups in 1992 and 2015, and women's event in 2000. The World Cup 2021 will run from January 30 to February 20, a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) statement said. The hosts New Zealand and four other top teams based on the ICC Women's Championship standings will gain direct qualification for the 2021 tournament. Currently, the top four teams in the point table are - Australia (22), defending champions England (22), India (16) and South Africa (16). While the remaining three teams will get a second chance through the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier event in which the sides will be joined by Bangladesh and Ireland, and the winner of each regional qualifier in 2019 - Africa, Americas, Asia, East Asia Pacific and Europe. Sports event practitioners Liz Dawson and Andrea Nelson have been appointed as chair and chief executive, respectively, of the Cricket 2021 Ltd - the independent company set up to run the ICC Women's World Cup 2021 in New Zealand. Dawson, who is a director of NZC, will chair a board comprising herself, former World Masters Games chief executive Jennah Wootten, Westpac Stadium Trust chief executive Shane Harmon, NZC chair Greg Barclay, and NZC chief executive David White. Harmon is a current director of Netball New Zealand. He has previously acted as GM Marketing and Communications of Rugby World Cup 2011 and was the Head of Marketing for the 2003 tournament in Australia. Barclay and White were heavily involved in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 and the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2018. Nelson, on the other hand, has been GM New Zealand for the Rugby League World Cup 2017, and Director of Marketing and Communications for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. She will assume her CEO duties later this month after completing her current commitments on the inaugural Oceania Cup and Great Britain Lions Rugby League Series. "This tournament is well positioned to take women's cricket to the next level - by showcasing the world`s best to new audiences here in New Zealand and around the world," Nelson said. "I'm excited to be part of this event, which we hope will provide a global platform for the women's game and inspire a new generation of girls and boys to give it a go," added Nelson. "With this event, alongside the International Working Group on Women in Sport and Women's Rugby World Cup, New Zealand will have the chance to make its mark as a global leader in women's sport," she said. Dawson said it is a privilege for New Zealand to host such a significant tournament. "This a fantastic event with a truly global reach and will bring together in New Zealand some of the best athletes in the world. It's a real growth opportunity and we aim to do the International Cricket Council and world cricket in general, proud," Dawson said.

ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2021 dates announced

After a woeful run in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, South Africa finally managed to secure their first victory, and the team's spin bowling coach Claude Henderson said that they are eager to win.

"Very desperate. It means a lot to everyone in the camp; all the players and the support staff. There is a lot of pride in South African sport and in the country. They owe this to themselves and also to the supporters," Sport34.co.za quoted Henderson as saying.&nbsp;

When South Africa and Afghanistan came face-to-face, both were on a winless streak in the premier tournament but after the conclusion of the match, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-africa-can-still-reach-world-cup-semis-without-steyn-says-faf-du-plessis-224351&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiirrb26_LiAhWWf30KHX-pCpwQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw07ytWcl2FgDLlBYGEAOiOH">South Africa</a> halted their streak as they trounced their competitor by nine-wickets.

However, their upcoming opponents are New Zealand, who are unbeaten in the tournament so far and sit on the second position on the points table, only behind Australia.

Henderson is aware of the danger ahead of them but is confident that they can beat New Zealand if they managed to play "solid cricket".

"We respect every opposition we play, and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-india-and-new-zealand-split-points-after-trent-bridge-washout-226923&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiEgIWN7PLiAhVPWH0KHSMdAUsQFjAHegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2jkGn8aluHjRe_SAKUPpqa">New Zealand</a> is one of the better teams in world cricket. They have shown in the last decade how strong they can be, especially in big tournaments. I think we can beat them if we play solid cricket. We haven't started well, but the boys have really worked hard. There have been a lot of discussions and if we play good, basic, strong cricket then we`ve got a very good chance," he said.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-beat-south-africa-by-six-wickets-in-cricket-world-cup-224756&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiirrb26_LiAhWWf30KHX-pCpwQFjAEegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2E-NLdOYHHMiw6o-A9MplO">South Africa</a> will now face New Zealand on June 19.

After a woeful run in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, South Africa finally managed to secure their first victory, and the team's spin bowling coach Claude Henderson said that they are eager to win.

After a woeful run in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, South Africa finally managed to secure their first victory, and the team's spin bowling coach Claude Henderson said that they are eager to win. "Very desperate. It means a lot to everyone in the camp; all the players and the support staff. There is a lot of pride in South African sport and in the country. They owe this to themselves and also to the supporters," Sport34.co.za quoted Henderson as saying. When South Africa and Afghanistan came face-to-face, both were on a winless streak in the premier tournament but after the conclusion of the match, South Africa halted their streak as they trounced their competitor by nine-wickets. However, their upcoming opponents are New Zealand, who are unbeaten in the tournament so far and sit on the second position on the points table, only behind Australia. Henderson is aware of the danger ahead of them but is confident that they can beat New Zealand if they managed to play "solid cricket". "We respect every opposition we play, and New Zealand is one of the better teams in world cricket. They have shown in the last decade how strong they can be, especially in big tournaments. I think we can beat them if we play solid cricket. We haven't started well, but the boys have really worked hard. There have been a lot of discussions and if we play good, basic, strong cricket then we`ve got a very good chance," he said. South Africa will now face New Zealand on June 19.

World Cup: 'Desperate' South Africa can beat New Zealand, says bowling coach Claude Henderson

A businessman in New Zealand has been sentenced to nearly two years in prison for sharing footage of the Christchurch mosque attacks, which saw a lone gunman livestream the massacre of 51 Muslims during Friday prayers on March 15.

New Zealander jailed for sharing Christchurch mass shooting video

There is no tsunami threat to New Zealand after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck near the uninhabited Kermadec islands northeast of New Zealand Sunday, Civil Defence authorities of the country says.

New Zealand’s Ministry of Civil Defense and Emergency Management cleared New Zealand of a tsunami threat moments after issuing a beach warning.&nbsp;

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There is no tsunami threat to New Zealand following the M7.0 Kermadec Islands region earthquake. Based on current information, the initial assessment is that the earthquake is unlikely to have caused a tsunami that will pose a threat to NZ. <a href="https://t.co/ccVFYQQoBr">https://t.co/ccVFYQQoBr</a>
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The US Geological Survey said the earthquake hit a spot about 873 kilometres (541 miles) northeast of Ngunguru, New Zealand, a town of about 1,400 people. It occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres (6 miles).

The area the quake struck is called the Kermadec Islands, about 800 kilometers (497 miles) northeast of New Zealand’s North Island.

The Kermadec Islands, a volcanic archipelago, are prone to earthquakes. The islands are a dependency of New Zealand and lie at the western edge of the Kermadec Trench.

Earthquakes have frequently struck the Kermadecs, including a 7.4 magnitude quake in 2006 and&nbsp;a 7.6 in 2007.&nbsp;

In 2011,&nbsp;two quakes, measuring 7.6 and 7.4, struck three months apart. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

There is no tsunami threat to New Zealand after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck near the uninhabited Kermadec islands northeast of New Zealand Sunday, Civil Defence authorities of the country says.

There is no tsunami threat to New Zealand after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck near the uninhabited Kermadec islands northeast of New Zealand Sunday, Civil Defence authorities of the country says. New Zealand’s Ministry of Civil Defense and Emergency Management cleared New Zealand of a tsunami threat moments after issuing a beach warning. There is no tsunami threat to New Zealand following the M7.0 Kermadec Islands region earthquake. Based on current information, the initial assessment is that the earthquake is unlikely to have caused a tsunami that will pose a threat to NZ. https://t.co/ccVFYQQoBr — MCDEM (@NZcivildefence) June 15, 2019 × The US Geological Survey said the earthquake hit a spot about 873 kilometres (541 miles) northeast of Ngunguru, New Zealand, a town of about 1,400 people. It occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres (6 miles). The area the quake struck is called the Kermadec Islands, about 800 kilometers (497 miles) northeast of New Zealand’s North Island. The Kermadec Islands, a volcanic archipelago, are prone to earthquakes. The islands are a dependency of New Zealand and lie at the western edge of the Kermadec Trench. Earthquakes have frequently struck the Kermadecs, including a 7.4 magnitude quake in 2006 and a 7.6 in 2007. In 2011, two quakes, measuring 7.6 and 7.4, struck three months apart. (With inputs from agencies)

Powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake hits New Zealand; no tsunami threat

The ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup has been bogged down by poor English weather and former English batsman Kevin Pietersen on Friday posted a <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-new-zealand-washout-frustrated-fans-come-up-with-funny-memes-226940">hilarious picture</a> on Instagram taking a jibe at the tournament.

So far, four matches have been <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-india-and-new-zealand-split-points-after-trent-bridge-washout-226923">abandoned due to rain</a> in the ongoing Cricket World Cup.

This is the most number of matches that have been called off due to rain in a single edition.

The matches between Sri Lanka-Pakistan, Sri Lanka-Bangladesh, South Africa-West Indies and India-New Zealand have gotten abandoned due to rain in the ongoing World Cup.

Three matches were washed out without a single ball bowled and in the South Africa-West Indies match, only 7.2 overs were bowled.

The scheduling of the Cricket World Cup has come under scrutiny as the matches keep on getting abandoned and the teams are being awarded one point each.

No reserve days have been put in place for the round-robin stage.

The reserve days are just in place for the semi-finals and finals.

In the picture that Pietersen posted, people can be seen playing cricket underwater and the image caption reads as 'Cricket World Cup final 2019'.

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When asked about reserve days, <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-icc-defends-no-reserve-day-decision-blames-unseasonable-weather-226400">ICC CEO David Richardson</a> had said,&nbsp;"factoring in a reserve day for every match at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup would significantly increase the length of the tournament and practically would be extremely complex to deliver."

"Up to 1,200 people are on site to deliver a match and everything associated with it including getting it broadcast and a proportion of them are moving around the country so reserve days in the group stage would require a significant uplift in the number of staff," Richardson further stated.

The upcoming week in the Cricket World Cup 2019 also does not order well for the organisers as weather predictions for the ensuing week also indicate rain.

The ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup has been bogged down by poor English weather and former English batsman Kevin Pietersen on Friday posted a hilarious picture on Instagram taking a jibe at the tournament.

The ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup has been bogged down by poor English weather and former English batsman Kevin Pietersen on Friday posted a hilarious picture on Instagram taking a jibe at the tournament. So far, four matches have been abandoned due to rain in the ongoing Cricket World Cup. This is the most number of matches that have been called off due to rain in a single edition. The matches between Sri Lanka-Pakistan, Sri Lanka-Bangladesh, South Africa-West Indies and India-New Zealand have gotten abandoned due to rain in the ongoing World Cup. Three matches were washed out without a single ball bowled and in the South Africa-West Indies match, only 7.2 overs were bowled. The scheduling of the Cricket World Cup has come under scrutiny as the matches keep on getting abandoned and the teams are being awarded one point each. No reserve days have been put in place for the round-robin stage. The reserve days are just in place for the semi-finals and finals. In the picture that Pietersen posted, people can be seen playing cricket underwater and the image caption reads as 'Cricket World Cup final 2019'. View this post on Instagram 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 A post shared by Kevin Pietersen (@kp24) on Jun 13, 2019 at 10:57pm PDT × When asked about reserve days, ICC CEO David Richardson had said, "factoring in a reserve day for every match at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup would significantly increase the length of the tournament and practically would be extremely complex to deliver." "Up to 1,200 people are on site to deliver a match and everything associated with it including getting it broadcast and a proportion of them are moving around the country so reserve days in the group stage would require a significant uplift in the number of staff," Richardson further stated. The upcoming week in the Cricket World Cup 2019 also does not order well for the organisers as weather predictions for the ensuing week also indicate rain.

Kevin Pietersen posts hilarious picture on washed out World Cup matches

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-new-zealand-a-journey-around-the-world-and-into-darkness-203762">Suspected white supremacist Brenton Tarrant</a> is expected to enter pleas and will face a new terrorism charge when he appears in court on Friday over the mass shooting at two mosques in Christchurch.

In an attack on March 15 that was broadcast live on Facebook, a lone gunman armed with semi-automatic weapons targeted Muslims attending Friday prayers in Christchurch, killing 51 worshippers and wounding dozens of people.

Tarrant already faces 50 counts of murder for the attack and when he appears in the Christchurch High Court on Friday will be charged under a terrorist act, the first time such a charge has been brought in New Zealand.

The police announced its plans to bring on terrorism charges and an additional murder charge last month.

A minute issued to the media by Christchurch High Court Judge Cameron Mander last week said Tarrant is expected to enter a plea to the charges.

Tarrant was not required to submit a plea in his last court appearance on April 5, as Judge Mander ordered he undergo mental assessment first to determine whether he was fit to stand trial.

The court has also lifted an order that required Tarrant's face to be suppressed, which forced media to only publish pixellated images that obscured his face.

"The Crown has advised there is no longer a need for the images of the defendant’s face to be suppressed and the order now lapses," the judge said in the minute released last week.

Tarrant, who is an Australian national, was remanded in custody after the shooting and moved to New Zealand's only maximum-security prison in Auckland. He would appear at the Christchurch High Court through a video link.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern labelled New Zealand's worst peacetime mass shooting an act of terrorism and quickly introduced tough new firearm laws which banned semi-automatic weapons.

Muslims worldwide have praised New Zealand's response to the massacre, with many singling out Ardern's gesture of wearing a headscarf to meet victims' families and urging the country to unite with the call: "We are one".

But others have criticised New Zealand for failing to record hate crimes and ignoring threats from white supremacist groups. A Royal Commission is looking into whether the shooting could have been prevented.

Suspected white supremacist Brenton Tarrant is expected to enter pleas and will face a new terrorism charge when he appears in court on Friday over the mass shooting at two mosques in Christchurch.

Suspected white supremacist Brenton Tarrant is expected to enter pleas and will face a new terrorism charge when he appears in court on Friday over the mass shooting at two mosques in Christchurch. In an attack on March 15 that was broadcast live on Facebook, a lone gunman armed with semi-automatic weapons targeted Muslims attending Friday prayers in Christchurch, killing 51 worshippers and wounding dozens of people. Tarrant already faces 50 counts of murder for the attack and when he appears in the Christchurch High Court on Friday will be charged under a terrorist act, the first time such a charge has been brought in New Zealand. The police announced its plans to bring on terrorism charges and an additional murder charge last month. A minute issued to the media by Christchurch High Court Judge Cameron Mander last week said Tarrant is expected to enter a plea to the charges. Tarrant was not required to submit a plea in his last court appearance on April 5, as Judge Mander ordered he undergo mental assessment first to determine whether he was fit to stand trial. The court has also lifted an order that required Tarrant's face to be suppressed, which forced media to only publish pixellated images that obscured his face. "The Crown has advised there is no longer a need for the images of the defendant’s face to be suppressed and the order now lapses," the judge said in the minute released last week. Tarrant, who is an Australian national, was remanded in custody after the shooting and moved to New Zealand's only maximum-security prison in Auckland. He would appear at the Christchurch High Court through a video link. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern labelled New Zealand's worst peacetime mass shooting an act of terrorism and quickly introduced tough new firearm laws which banned semi-automatic weapons. Muslims worldwide have praised New Zealand's response to the massacre, with many singling out Ardern's gesture of wearing a headscarf to meet victims' families and urging the country to unite with the call: "We are one". But others have criticised New Zealand for failing to record hate crimes and ignoring threats from white supremacist groups. A Royal Commission is looking into whether the shooting could have been prevented.

New Zealand massacre suspect set to enter pleas, face new terrorism charge

Virat Kohli-led India will take on New Zealand in the 18th match of Cricket World Cup 2019 but the weather forecast at the venue is not looking good as there are slim chances of getting a full a game today in Nottingham.

The match starts at 10:30 GMT and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-heavy-rain-forecast-ahead-of-india-vs-new-zealand-match-226204">light rain is expected to fall </a>from 10:00 am and to an end at about lunchtime, around 1:00 pm.&nbsp;

After about an hour of relief from the rain, it's set to pour down again from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and subside only by 6:00 pm in the evening.

The Met Office in England had issued a 'yellow warning'&nbsp;for heavy rain at Trent Bridge in Nottingham for today and the maximum temperature will be around 13 degrees through the day, making it extremely cold for both the teams on the field.&nbsp;

"The unsettled weather continues this week with further heavy rain and thunderstorms expected to impact some parts of the UK," published The Met Office on their website.&nbsp;

A record three matches have already been either abandoned or called off in the weather-hit tournament and the forecast is for further washouts this week.&nbsp;

The absence of reserve days is being brought up by the players and the coaches, but the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday defended not scheduling reserve days for group matches at the rain-marred World Cup and blamed the disruptions on "extremely unseasonable weather".

The organisers have been criticised for not allotting reserve days in the group stage and outgoing ICC chief executive David Richardson said it was not a feasible idea.

"Factoring in a reserve day for every match ... would significantly increase the length of the tournament and practically would be extremely complex to deliver," he said in a statement.

If the game is washed-out both <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-injured-shikhar-dhawan-at-practice-session-ahead-of-new-zealand-contest-226574">India </a>and New Zealand will get one point each. 
 
New Zealand are at the top of the points table with six points from three games and India have four points from two games with two victories.

(All timings in GMT)

Virat Kohli-led India will take on New Zealand in the 18th match of Cricket World Cup 2019 but the weather forecast at the venue is not looking good as there are slim chances of getting a full a game today in Nottingham.

Virat Kohli-led India will take on New Zealand in the 18th match of Cricket World Cup 2019 but the weather forecast at the venue is not looking good as there are slim chances of getting a full a game today in Nottingham. The match starts at 10:30 GMT and light rain is expected to fall from 10:00 am and to an end at about lunchtime, around 1:00 pm. After about an hour of relief from the rain, it's set to pour down again from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and subside only by 6:00 pm in the evening. The Met Office in England had issued a 'yellow warning' for heavy rain at Trent Bridge in Nottingham for today and the maximum temperature will be around 13 degrees through the day, making it extremely cold for both the teams on the field. "The unsettled weather continues this week with further heavy rain and thunderstorms expected to impact some parts of the UK," published The Met Office on their website. A record three matches have already been either abandoned or called off in the weather-hit tournament and the forecast is for further washouts this week. The absence of reserve days is being brought up by the players and the coaches, but the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday defended not scheduling reserve days for group matches at the rain-marred World Cup and blamed the disruptions on "extremely unseasonable weather". The organisers have been criticised for not allotting reserve days in the group stage and outgoing ICC chief executive David Richardson said it was not a feasible idea. "Factoring in a reserve day for every match ... would significantly increase the length of the tournament and practically would be extremely complex to deliver," he said in a statement. If the game is washed-out both India and New Zealand will get one point each. New Zealand are at the top of the points table with six points from three games and India have four points from two games with two victories. (All timings in GMT)

World Cup: Weather report of Nottingham for India vs New Zealand match

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday defended not scheduling reserve days for group matches at the rain-marred World Cup and blamed the disruptions on "extremely unseasonable weather".

A record three matches have already been either abandoned or called off in the weather-hit tournament and the forecast is for further washouts this week.

The organisers have been criticised for not allotting reserve days in the group stage and outgoing ICC chief executive David Richardson said it was not a feasible idea.

"Factoring in a reserve day for every match ... would significantly increase the length of the tournament and practically would be extremely complex to deliver," he said in a statement.

The knockout stage of the six-week tournament includes reserve days but it would post a massive logistical challenge at the group phase and inconvenience everyone, Richardson said.

"There is also no guarantee that the reserve day would be free from rain either," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lanka-split-points-for-second-successive-time-after-match-washed-out-226325">Bangladesh </a>coach Steve Rhodes criticised the organisers after his team's match against Sri Lanka was abandoned on Tuesday without a ball bowled in Bristol.

"We put men on the moon, so why can't we have a reserve day, when actually this tournament is a long tournament?" Rhodes quipped.

"I know logistically, it would have been a big headache for the tournament organisers... but we have got quite a lot of time in between games, and if we have got to travel a day later, then so be it,"&nbsp;Rhodes said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-16-bangladesh-vs-sri-lanka-226226">Sri Lanka</a> captain Dimuth Karunaratne acknowledged the logistical challenge but still felt result days suited everyone.

"It's not easy, but if they can put on a reserve day, it would be good for everyone," said Karunaratne, whose team's previous match against Pakistan was also washed out.

Richardson, however, blamed the disruptions on an "extremely unseasonable weather".

"In the last couple of days we have experienced more than twice the average monthly rainfall for June which is usually the third driest month in the UK," he said.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday defended not scheduling reserve days for group matches at the rain-marred World Cup and blamed the disruptions on "extremely unseasonable weather".

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday defended not scheduling reserve days for group matches at the rain-marred World Cup and blamed the disruptions on "extremely unseasonable weather". A record three matches have already been either abandoned or called off in the weather-hit tournament and the forecast is for further washouts this week. The organisers have been criticised for not allotting reserve days in the group stage and outgoing ICC chief executive David Richardson said it was not a feasible idea. "Factoring in a reserve day for every match ... would significantly increase the length of the tournament and practically would be extremely complex to deliver," he said in a statement. The knockout stage of the six-week tournament includes reserve days but it would post a massive logistical challenge at the group phase and inconvenience everyone, Richardson said. "There is also no guarantee that the reserve day would be free from rain either," he said. Bangladesh coach Steve Rhodes criticised the organisers after his team's match against Sri Lanka was abandoned on Tuesday without a ball bowled in Bristol. "We put men on the moon, so why can't we have a reserve day, when actually this tournament is a long tournament?" Rhodes quipped. "I know logistically, it would have been a big headache for the tournament organisers... but we have got quite a lot of time in between games, and if we have got to travel a day later, then so be it," Rhodes said. Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne acknowledged the logistical challenge but still felt result days suited everyone. "It's not easy, but if they can put on a reserve day, it would be good for everyone," said Karunaratne, whose team's previous match against Pakistan was also washed out. Richardson, however, blamed the disruptions on an "extremely unseasonable weather". "In the last couple of days we have experienced more than twice the average monthly rainfall for June which is usually the third driest month in the UK," he said.

World Cup: ICC defends no-reserve-day decision, blames 'unseasonable weather'

New Zealand's steady supply of left-handed batsmen will come in handy in Thursday's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=cricket+world+cup">World Cup</a> match against an Indian team without that variety in their top order, senior Kiwi batsman Ross Taylor said on the eve of the match.&nbsp;

Opener Shikhar Dhawan's injury has not only robbed India of a left-right pair at the top of their order but has also left the two-times champions without a southpaw in the top half of their batting.&nbsp;

In contrast, New Zealand have three left-handers in their top six, including opener Colin Munro.&nbsp;

"Obviously Shikhar is a big loss to India," Taylor told reporters at Trent Bridge on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"He and Rohit Sharma have a very good partnership, and I think they complement each other well because they're right and left-handed.&nbsp;

"I think we've had a similar balanced side for a long time, and when you do have a right-left hand combination, it does put pressure in different ways on the bowling opposition."

A left-right combination forces bowlers to alter line and length while the fielding captain is also compelled to tinker with field settings every time the batsmen change ends.

Taylor said such variety in the batting lineup was necessary to make the most of the World Cup grounds.

"A lot of these grounds in the UK have a short boundary to one side, and if you've got two right-handers or two left-handers, you can't exploit it as much...

"It's traditionally a short boundary here. If that is the case, then hopefully we can exploit it with the right and left-handers."

A lot will depend on how New Zealand fare against the wrist-spin of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav but the 35-year-old Taylor reckoned the duo might bowl slightly more defensively at Trent Bridge.

"Shorter boundaries can sometimes play in the minds of the spinners, one might spin a little bit more defensive, but with the weather around and so much uncertainty, we'll just have to wait and see," he said.

The 2015 finalists have made a perfect start in their quest for a maiden World Cup title, winning their first three matches before the tournament was hit by poor weather, which has already resulted in three matches being either called off or abandoned.

"I said at the start of the tournament that luck is going to play a part," Taylor said.

"England is a beautiful place, but it's not famous for good weather. In saying that, there's still a long way to go in this tournament. I'm sure there's going to be rained out games that could have freaked us along the way."

New Zealand's steady supply of left-handed batsmen will come in handy in Thursday's World Cup match against an Indian team without that variety in their top order, senior Kiwi batsman Ross Taylor said on the eve of the match.

New Zealand's steady supply of left-handed batsmen will come in handy in Thursday's World Cup match against an Indian team without that variety in their top order, senior Kiwi batsman Ross Taylor said on the eve of the match. Opener Shikhar Dhawan's injury has not only robbed India of a left-right pair at the top of their order but has also left the two-times champions without a southpaw in the top half of their batting. In contrast, New Zealand have three left-handers in their top six, including opener Colin Munro. "Obviously Shikhar is a big loss to India," Taylor told reporters at Trent Bridge on Wednesday. "He and Rohit Sharma have a very good partnership, and I think they complement each other well because they're right and left-handed. "I think we've had a similar balanced side for a long time, and when you do have a right-left hand combination, it does put pressure in different ways on the bowling opposition." A left-right combination forces bowlers to alter line and length while the fielding captain is also compelled to tinker with field settings every time the batsmen change ends. Taylor said such variety in the batting lineup was necessary to make the most of the World Cup grounds. "A lot of these grounds in the UK have a short boundary to one side, and if you've got two right-handers or two left-handers, you can't exploit it as much... "It's traditionally a short boundary here. If that is the case, then hopefully we can exploit it with the right and left-handers." A lot will depend on how New Zealand fare against the wrist-spin of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav but the 35-year-old Taylor reckoned the duo might bowl slightly more defensively at Trent Bridge. "Shorter boundaries can sometimes play in the minds of the spinners, one might spin a little bit more defensive, but with the weather around and so much uncertainty, we'll just have to wait and see," he said. The 2015 finalists have made a perfect start in their quest for a maiden World Cup title, winning their first three matches before the tournament was hit by poor weather, which has already resulted in three matches being either called off or abandoned. "I said at the start of the tournament that luck is going to play a part," Taylor said. "England is a beautiful place, but it's not famous for good weather. In saying that, there's still a long way to go in this tournament. I'm sure there's going to be rained out games that could have freaked us along the way."

New Zealand to reap left-right benefit against India: Ross Taylor

A final decision on Shikhar Dhawan's availability at the ongoing World Cup will be taken only after 10 to 12 days as he is too "precious" to be ruled out just yet, India's assistant coach Sanjay Bangar said Wednesday.

Dhawan will miss three to four games due to the hairline fracture on his left thumb and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-to-be-flown-in-today-as-cover-for-injured-shikhar-dhawan-says-bcci-official-226423">Rishabh Pant</a> will join the team as cover in Manchester ahead of the clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday.

"As far as Shikhar is concerned, we are observing him and it will take some time, around 10 or 12 days to figure out where he stands," Bangar said on the eve of the game against New Zealand here.

"We will be in a better position to take a call then because we don't want to rule out a precious player like Shikhar, straight at the time of the injury," he added.

The assistant coach's statement means that Dhawan will be out of the games against New Zealand (Thursday), Pakistan (Manchester, June 16), Afghanistan (June 22, Southampton) and West Indies (June 27, Manchester).

Bangar also informed that Pant is being summoned so that he can train with the team and be match-ready in case <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-shikhar-dhawan-ruled-out-for-three-weeks-due-to-injury-226202">Dhawan </a>is ruled out of the tournament.

"Since Dhawan's assessment will take 10-12 days, till that point of time, we wanted to make sure if and when the replacement is required and I am saying if and when, then it is always good to have a replacement player coming in and practising with the team as a stand-by," Bangar said.

A final decision on Shikhar Dhawan's availability at the ongoing World Cup will be taken only after 10 to 12 days as he is too "precious" to be ruled out just yet, India's assistant coach Sanjay Bangar said Wednesday.

A final decision on Shikhar Dhawan's availability at the ongoing World Cup will be taken only after 10 to 12 days as he is too "precious" to be ruled out just yet, India's assistant coach Sanjay Bangar said Wednesday. Dhawan will miss three to four games due to the hairline fracture on his left thumb and Rishabh Pant will join the team as cover in Manchester ahead of the clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday. "As far as Shikhar is concerned, we are observing him and it will take some time, around 10 or 12 days to figure out where he stands," Bangar said on the eve of the game against New Zealand here. "We will be in a better position to take a call then because we don't want to rule out a precious player like Shikhar, straight at the time of the injury," he added. The assistant coach's statement means that Dhawan will be out of the games against New Zealand (Thursday), Pakistan (Manchester, June 16), Afghanistan (June 22, Southampton) and West Indies (June 27, Manchester). Bangar also informed that Pant is being summoned so that he can train with the team and be match-ready in case Dhawan is ruled out of the tournament. "Since Dhawan's assessment will take 10-12 days, till that point of time, we wanted to make sure if and when the replacement is required and I am saying if and when, then it is always good to have a replacement player coming in and practising with the team as a stand-by," Bangar said.

Final call on 'precious' Shikhar Dhawan only after 10-12 days: Sanjay Bangar

Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan&nbsp;will miss the next three to four games with a hand injury, assistant coach Sanjay Bangar confirmed ahead of team's upcoming match against New Zealand.&nbsp;

Dhawan, however,&nbsp;was spotted at the nets during India's practice session. The left-hand batsman&nbsp;was seen strolling around the ground, talking to India's bowling coach Bharat Arun and leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-amid-injury-scare-cricketer-shikhar-dhawan-tweets-couplet-226451">Dhawan </a>sustained the injury during his match-winning hundred against Australia on Sunday when Nathan Coulter-Nile's rising delivery hit on his hand.&nbsp;

Bangar also confirmed that back-up opener KL Rahul, who was picked to play at number four, will partner Rohit Sharma at the top of the order starting with Thursday's match against New Zealand.&nbsp;

"In 10-12 days we'll be taking a call on the status of Shikhar," Bangar told reporters after the team's light practice at Trent Bridge.

"If and when a replacement is required, it's always good to have the replacement player already in and practising regularly as a standby."

Watch: Shikhar Dhawan at India's practice session

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Shikhar Dhawan at India's practice session at Trent Bridge, Nottingham ahead of their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCCricketWorldCup2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICCCricketWorldCup2019</a> match against New Zealand, tomorrow. He had suffered a fracture on his thumb in India's match against Australia on 9 June &amp; has been ruled out for at least a week. <a href="https://t.co/4PjV3dvH6j">pic.twitter.com/4PjV3dvH6j</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1138777506658562048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"...Dhawan is presently under the observation of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-bcci-releases-official-statement-on-shikhar-dhawans-thumb-injury-226345">BCCI medical team</a>. The team management has decided that Dhawan will continue to be in England and his progress will be monitored," the Indian team said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Dhawan sustained an injury on the back of his left hand in the region between the index finger and thumb...," the statement added.&nbsp;

Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan will miss the next three to four games with a hand injury, assistant coach Sanjay Bangar confirmed ahead of team's upcoming match against New Zealand.

Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan will miss the next three to four games with a hand injury, assistant coach Sanjay Bangar confirmed ahead of team's upcoming match against New Zealand. Dhawan, however, was spotted at the nets during India's practice session. The left-hand batsman was seen strolling around the ground, talking to India's bowling coach Bharat Arun and leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Dhawan sustained the injury during his match-winning hundred against Australia on Sunday when Nathan Coulter-Nile's rising delivery hit on his hand. Bangar also confirmed that back-up opener KL Rahul, who was picked to play at number four, will partner Rohit Sharma at the top of the order starting with Thursday's match against New Zealand. "In 10-12 days we'll be taking a call on the status of Shikhar," Bangar told reporters after the team's light practice at Trent Bridge. "If and when a replacement is required, it's always good to have the replacement player already in and practising regularly as a standby." Watch: Shikhar Dhawan at India's practice session #WATCH Shikhar Dhawan at India's practice session at Trent Bridge, Nottingham ahead of their #ICCCricketWorldCup2019 match against New Zealand, tomorrow. He had suffered a fracture on his thumb in India's match against Australia on 9 June & has been ruled out for at least a week. pic.twitter.com/4PjV3dvH6j — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2019 × "...Dhawan is presently under the observation of the BCCI medical team. The team management has decided that Dhawan will continue to be in England and his progress will be monitored," the Indian team said in a statement. "Dhawan sustained an injury on the back of his left hand in the region between the index finger and thumb...," the statement added.

Watch: Injured Shikhar Dhawan during India's practice session ahead of New Zealand clash

Players to watch out for in India vs New Zealand clash at World Cup

Heavy rain threatens to play spoilsport when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-14-india-vs-australia-225643">India</a> face New Zealand in their next World Cup game at Trent Bridge on Thursday.

However, as per weather forecast, the rain is likely to subside by lunchtime on Thursday which means at least a curtailed game remains a possibility.

There have&nbsp;been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-cup-2019-sri-lanka-bangladesh-hope-for-a-game-as-bristol-rain-threatens-washout-226177">persistent showers across the United Kingdom</a> for the past two days and the local Met department has issued a warning for the residents.

"A Yellow Warning for rain is in force in the Nottingham area for most of this week," local website 'Nottinghampost' reported.

The Met office's warning on its website covered a large area of England, including Birmingham, Peterborough and Newcastle.

"There is a chance that heavy prolonged rain could lead to localised flooding and disruption to transport," it said.

As per local Met Office weather forecast for Nottingham, the heavy rain will continue till 7 pm on Wednesday.

"That lighter rain is expected to finally come to an end at about lunchtime on Thursday. The maximum temperatures will be around 13 degree Celsius and minimum overnight temperatures will be around 10 or 11 degree Celsius," the website reported.&nbsp;

Heavy rain threatens to play spoilsport when India face New Zealand in their next World Cup game at Trent Bridge on Thursday. However, as per weather forecast, the rain is likely to subside by lunchtime on Thursday which means at least a curtailed game remains a possibility.

Heavy rain threatens to play spoilsport when India face New Zealand in their next World Cup game at Trent Bridge on Thursday. However, as per weather forecast, the rain is likely to subside by lunchtime on Thursday which means at least a curtailed game remains a possibility. There have been persistent showers across the United Kingdom for the past two days and the local Met department has issued a warning for the residents. "A Yellow Warning for rain is in force in the Nottingham area for most of this week," local website 'Nottinghampost' reported. The Met office's warning on its website covered a large area of England, including Birmingham, Peterborough and Newcastle. "There is a chance that heavy prolonged rain could lead to localised flooding and disruption to transport," it said. As per local Met Office weather forecast for Nottingham, the heavy rain will continue till 7 pm on Wednesday. "That lighter rain is expected to finally come to an end at about lunchtime on Thursday. The maximum temperatures will be around 13 degree Celsius and minimum overnight temperatures will be around 10 or 11 degree Celsius," the website reported.

World Cup: Heavy rain forecast ahead of India vs New Zealand match

New Zealand will withdraw its troops from Iraq by June next year, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday, ending a mission that helped train Iraqi defence forces to fight Islamic State militants.

New Zealand, which has up to 95 soldiers in Iraq, deployed troops there in 2015, in a joint training mission with Australia to support the multinational US-led operation against Islamic State.

"Over the next 12 months, New Zealand will be able to wind down and conclude that commitment," Ardern told a news conference to announce the decision.

Troop numbers would be cut to a maximum of 75 from July and 45 from next January, before the mission wraps up by June 2020, she added.

The troops provide training on basic weapons skills as well as medical support and logistics to the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) in camp Taji to the north of Baghdad, the capital.

More than 44,000 ISF personnel have been trained at Taji since 2015, the New Zealand government said in a statement.

US-backed forces drove Islamic State out of its last stronghold in eastern Syria this year, bringing an end to a so-called caliphate declared by the militant group.

New Zealand's deployment in Iraq had been scheduled to end in May 2017, but successive New governments extended the date. Last year Ardern extended the armed force deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan until June.

Ardern added that New Zealand will cut to 11 personnel, from 13, its deployment to a NATO-led mission in Afghanistan, but troops would remain until December 2020, to support the training of Afghan army officers.

New Zealand will withdraw its troops from Iraq by June next year, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday, ending a mission that helped train Iraqi defence forces to fight Islamic State militants.

New Zealand will withdraw its troops from Iraq by June next year, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday, ending a mission that helped train Iraqi defence forces to fight Islamic State militants. New Zealand, which has up to 95 soldiers in Iraq, deployed troops there in 2015, in a joint training mission with Australia to support the multinational US-led operation against Islamic State. "Over the next 12 months, New Zealand will be able to wind down and conclude that commitment," Ardern told a news conference to announce the decision. Troop numbers would be cut to a maximum of 75 from July and 45 from next January, before the mission wraps up by June 2020, she added. The troops provide training on basic weapons skills as well as medical support and logistics to the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) in camp Taji to the north of Baghdad, the capital. More than 44,000 ISF personnel have been trained at Taji since 2015, the New Zealand government said in a statement. US-backed forces drove Islamic State out of its last stronghold in eastern Syria this year, bringing an end to a so-called caliphate declared by the militant group. New Zealand's deployment in Iraq had been scheduled to end in May 2017, but successive New governments extended the date. Last year Ardern extended the armed force deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan until June. Ardern added that New Zealand will cut to 11 personnel, from 13, its deployment to a NATO-led mission in Afghanistan, but troops would remain until December 2020, to support the training of Afghan army officers.

New Zealand to withdraw troops from Iraq next year, trim Afghanistan contingent

Kane Williamson led by example as the New Zealand captain's 79 not out guided his side to a seven-wicket win over Afghanistan that maintained their 100 percent start to the World Cup on Saturday.

Williamson was New Zealand's top scorer with a 99-ball innings containing nine fours after Jimmy Neesham took career-best one-day figures of 5-31 to dismiss Afghanistan for 172 at Taunton.

New Zealand's third successive victory kept them on course to make the semi-finals in the 10-team tournament, while minnows Afghanistan have lost all three of their matches.

Earlier, New Zealand dismissed Afghanistan for 172 in Saturday's World Cup match at Taunton.

Neesham turned the game in New Zealand's favour with his impressive spell after Afghanistan briefly threatened to rock the Black Caps.

Put in to bat by New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, Afghanistan openers Hazratullah Zazai and Noor Ali Zadran blasted a quickfire 66 for the first wicket.

But pace bowler Neesham, who had struggled in New Zealand's first two matches, finally found his rhythm despite two rain interruptions.

New Zealand, World Cup runners-up in 2015, have to make 173 from their 50 overs to extend their unbeaten start to three matches.

Hashmatullah Shahidi (59) top-scored for Afghanistan, who are fighting to avoid a third successive defeat.

With Mohammad Shahzad ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to a knee injury, the onus was on Hazratullah to anchor the Afghanistan innings and he made a flying start with three fours off Matthew Henry's opening over of the match.

On the small west country ground, the free-hitting Afghanistan's openers were doing their best to rattle New Zealand as they reached 66 in the 11th over.

But Neesham made the crucial breakthrough when Hazratullah went for one big shot too many, the left-hander hitting to Colin Munro at deep cover to depart for 34.

New Zealand had two wickets in the space of three balls as Noor Ali (31) was strangled down the leg side by fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, who would finish with four wickets.

Afghanistan lost their third wicket with the score still on 66 when Rahmat Shah was dismissed for a duck after a leading edge off Neesham was held by Martin Guptill.

When Gulbadin Naib failed with a review attempt to overturn his edge behind off Neesham, Afghanistan had lost four wickets for four runs in 21 deliveries.

Play was halted due to rain with the score on 84-4 and although the teams returned when the weather relented 25 minutes later, another shower forced them off just two overs later.

After the rain at last disappeared, Neesham shattered Afghanistan's resistance when he had both Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah Zadran caught behind to leave them 109-6 and earn his first five-wicket haul in ODIs.

By the time Rashid Khan was bowled when a Ferguson bouncer hit his helmet and cannoned onto the stumps, it was clear that aggressive New Zealand had imposed their will.

Kane Williamson led by example as the New Zealand captain's 79 not out guided his side to a seven-wicket win over Afghanistan that maintained their 100 percent start to the World Cup on Saturday.

Kane Williamson led by example as the New Zealand captain's 79 not out guided his side to a seven-wicket win over Afghanistan that maintained their 100 percent start to the World Cup on Saturday. Williamson was New Zealand's top scorer with a 99-ball innings containing nine fours after Jimmy Neesham took career-best one-day figures of 5-31 to dismiss Afghanistan for 172 at Taunton. New Zealand's third successive victory kept them on course to make the semi-finals in the 10-team tournament, while minnows Afghanistan have lost all three of their matches. Earlier, New Zealand dismissed Afghanistan for 172 in Saturday's World Cup match at Taunton. Neesham turned the game in New Zealand's favour with his impressive spell after Afghanistan briefly threatened to rock the Black Caps. Put in to bat by New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, Afghanistan openers Hazratullah Zazai and Noor Ali Zadran blasted a quickfire 66 for the first wicket. But pace bowler Neesham, who had struggled in New Zealand's first two matches, finally found his rhythm despite two rain interruptions. New Zealand, World Cup runners-up in 2015, have to make 173 from their 50 overs to extend their unbeaten start to three matches. Hashmatullah Shahidi (59) top-scored for Afghanistan, who are fighting to avoid a third successive defeat. With Mohammad Shahzad ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to a knee injury, the onus was on Hazratullah to anchor the Afghanistan innings and he made a flying start with three fours off Matthew Henry's opening over of the match. On the small west country ground, the free-hitting Afghanistan's openers were doing their best to rattle New Zealand as they reached 66 in the 11th over. But Neesham made the crucial breakthrough when Hazratullah went for one big shot too many, the left-hander hitting to Colin Munro at deep cover to depart for 34. New Zealand had two wickets in the space of three balls as Noor Ali (31) was strangled down the leg side by fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, who would finish with four wickets. Afghanistan lost their third wicket with the score still on 66 when Rahmat Shah was dismissed for a duck after a leading edge off Neesham was held by Martin Guptill. When Gulbadin Naib failed with a review attempt to overturn his edge behind off Neesham, Afghanistan had lost four wickets for four runs in 21 deliveries. Play was halted due to rain with the score on 84-4 and although the teams returned when the weather relented 25 minutes later, another shower forced them off just two overs later. After the rain at last disappeared, Neesham shattered Afghanistan's resistance when he had both Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah Zadran caught behind to leave them 109-6 and earn his first five-wicket haul in ODIs. By the time Rashid Khan was bowled when a Ferguson bouncer hit his helmet and cannoned onto the stumps, it was clear that aggressive New Zealand had imposed their will.

World Cup: New Zealand beat Afghanistan by 7 wickets

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to bowl against Afghanistan in Saturday's World Cup match at Taunton.

New Zealand have a 100 per cent record after thrashing Sri Lanka and then beating Bangladesh in their opening two matches.

"We're going to have a bowl. It looks like a fresh wicket, it's a bit cloudy overhead so we hope we can get in a bit early on," Williamson said.

"In a tournament sport you get in a flow, it's nice to have a couple of wins under our belt but we'll have to adapt today.

"We got across the line last time out and we will look to build on that. Everyone is fit, we are unchanged."

Afghanistan have started the tournament with two successive defeats against holders Australia and Sri Lanka.

With wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shahzad ruled out for the rest of the World Cup due to a knee injury, Ikram Alikhil came into the Afghanistan team.

Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib said he was happy to be put in to bat.

"I wanted to bat first. It looks a good wicket. I don't think it will change much over the course of the day," said Naib, who also brought in Noor Ali Zadran and Aftab Alam for Dawlat Zadran and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

"We just need to play positive cricket and have more of the good moments we've done so far."

The Teams: 
 
New Zealand: 
Kane Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wkt), Jimmy Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.&nbsp; 
 
Afghanistan: 
Gulbadin Naib (capt), Noor Ali Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Ikram Alikhil (wkt), Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to bowl against Afghanistan in Saturday's World Cup match at Taunton. New Zealand have a 100 per cent record after thrashing Sri Lanka and then beating Bangladesh in their opening two matches.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to bowl against Afghanistan in Saturday's World Cup match at Taunton. New Zealand have a 100 per cent record after thrashing Sri Lanka and then beating Bangladesh in their opening two matches. "We're going to have a bowl. It looks like a fresh wicket, it's a bit cloudy overhead so we hope we can get in a bit early on," Williamson said. "In a tournament sport you get in a flow, it's nice to have a couple of wins under our belt but we'll have to adapt today. "We got across the line last time out and we will look to build on that. Everyone is fit, we are unchanged." Afghanistan have started the tournament with two successive defeats against holders Australia and Sri Lanka. With wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shahzad ruled out for the rest of the World Cup due to a knee injury, Ikram Alikhil came into the Afghanistan team. Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib said he was happy to be put in to bat. "I wanted to bat first. It looks a good wicket. I don't think it will change much over the course of the day," said Naib, who also brought in Noor Ali Zadran and Aftab Alam for Dawlat Zadran and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. "We just need to play positive cricket and have more of the good moments we've done so far." The Teams: New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wkt), Jimmy Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult. Afghanistan: Gulbadin Naib (capt), Noor Ali Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Ikram Alikhil (wkt), Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan.

World Cup: New Zealand win toss, opt to bowl against Afghanistan

Afghanistan's wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Shahzad ruled out of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup because of his aggravating knee injury which he picked up during the warm-up match against Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 approved Ikram Ali Khil as a replacement player for Shahzad in the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-sri-lanka-fight-back-to-beat-afghanistan-by-34-runs-224394&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLh-HP3NbiAhWY7XMBHQd6AO8QFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2COXTRL5NlyHlPBwtOWO0E">Afghanistan </a>squad for the remainder of the tournament, confirmed ICC.

Khil has played one test match and two one-day internationals, against Ireland in March.

During the very first World Cup warm-up match being played between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Shahzad scored 22 runs off 24 deliveries.&nbsp;

However, in the seventh over he was forced to retire hurt because of discomfort in his left knee.

Shahzad later missed the second warm-up match which was against England but made a comeback in the team during <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-refugee-to-afghan-world-cup-star-a-talismanic-tale-of-rashid-khan-223205&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLh-HP3NbiAhWY7XMBHQd6AO8QFjABegQIDhAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw1pDXaj3Y3jiXno9GbV66BJ">Afghanistan's </a>first two World Cup matches played against Australia and Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

However, Shahzad was unable to leave his mark in either of the matches as he was out on a duck against <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-cup-2019-david-warner-stars-in-australias-rout-of-afghanistan-223509&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLh-HP3NbiAhWY7XMBHQd6AO8QFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw39p5JW84xEsV9JXHjd_o-c">Australia </a>and scored seven runs against Sri Lanka.

Before making any replacement in the squad, it is mandatory that the Event Technical Committee approves that replacement.&nbsp;

Here's the&nbsp;complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019:

<img alt="ICC World Cup 2019" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bc73697d-0ed1-478f-a9b0-a0e7f50bda56" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ICC%20World%20Cup%202019%20%281%29_24.jpg" />

Afghanistan will now play against New Zealand on June 8.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Shahzad ruled out of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup because of his aggravating knee injury which he picked up during the warm-up match against Pakistan.

Afghanistan's wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Shahzad ruled out of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup because of his aggravating knee injury which he picked up during the warm-up match against Pakistan. The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 approved Ikram Ali Khil as a replacement player for Shahzad in the Afghanistan squad for the remainder of the tournament, confirmed ICC. Khil has played one test match and two one-day internationals, against Ireland in March. During the very first World Cup warm-up match being played between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Shahzad scored 22 runs off 24 deliveries. However, in the seventh over he was forced to retire hurt because of discomfort in his left knee. Shahzad later missed the second warm-up match which was against England but made a comeback in the team during Afghanistan's first two World Cup matches played against Australia and Sri Lanka. However, Shahzad was unable to leave his mark in either of the matches as he was out on a duck against Australia and scored seven runs against Sri Lanka. Before making any replacement in the squad, it is mandatory that the Event Technical Committee approves that replacement. Here's the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019: Afghanistan will now play against New Zealand on June 8.

Afghanistan keeper Mohammad Shahzad ruled out of World Cup 2019

Mitchell Santner, playing only his second Cricket World Cup match, needed his steely nerves to shut out the noise from the large Bangladesh crowd at the Oval and guide <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-beat-bangladesh-by-two-wickets-in-cricket-world-cup-224798">New Zealand to victory</a> on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old bespectacled all-rounder, who arrived at the crease with his side in danger of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, held the tail together and hit the winning runs with 17 balls remaining in the match.

Santner scored an unbeaten 17 off 12 balls and ensured the Black Caps advanced from 218-6 through to their 245-run target with his lofted off-drive from Mustafizur Rahman taking them past Bangladesh's total for two crucial competition points.

"Bangladesh were on top there for a while and you can hear it through the crowd," Santner told reporters.

"I think a big thing is communication between you and your partner. We were just trying to keep it about playing ball by ball. If they bowl a good ball then you can just try and get your ones and twos and go from there," Santner said.

Kane Williamson's side restricted the Tigers to 244 and with Williamson (40) and Ross Taylor (82) taking them through to 160-2 in the 32nd over, the 2015 World Cup finalists looked on course for an easy win.

Bangladesh's slow bowlers, however, fought back as New Zealand lost wickets at crucial junctures until Santner's 20-run stand with Matt Henry pushed them to the cusp of victory.

"I thought we were cruising there for a while, we were going to get that two or three down. But credit to the way Bangladesh bowled, they kept fighting to the end," Santner said.

It was not the first time that Santner demonstrated his calmness under pressure in one-day internationals.

Last year he smashed 45 not out from 27 balls to guide <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-9-bangladesh-vs-new-zealand-224576">New Zealand</a> to a three-wicket win in Hamilton against England and followed that up with scores of 63 not out in a six-wicket loss at Mt. Maunganui.

His run out for 41 in the next game in Wellington probably cost the hosts a win in the five-run loss while he top-scored again with 67 in the fifth game against Eoin Morgan's side.

"You want to perform on the biggest stage and there's none bigger than the World Cup," said the left-arm spinner, who missed most of 2018 with a knee injury.

"It was nice to get the boys over the line. It got a bit tighter than we would have liked but we'll take the win and move on to the next game," Santner said.

Mitchell Santner, playing only his second Cricket World Cup match, needed his steely nerves to shut out the noise from the large Bangladesh crowd at the Oval and guide New Zealand to victory on Wednesday.

Mitchell Santner, playing only his second Cricket World Cup match, needed his steely nerves to shut out the noise from the large Bangladesh crowd at the Oval and guide New Zealand to victory on Wednesday. The 27-year-old bespectacled all-rounder, who arrived at the crease with his side in danger of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, held the tail together and hit the winning runs with 17 balls remaining in the match. Santner scored an unbeaten 17 off 12 balls and ensured the Black Caps advanced from 218-6 through to their 245-run target with his lofted off-drive from Mustafizur Rahman taking them past Bangladesh's total for two crucial competition points. "Bangladesh were on top there for a while and you can hear it through the crowd," Santner told reporters. "I think a big thing is communication between you and your partner. We were just trying to keep it about playing ball by ball. If they bowl a good ball then you can just try and get your ones and twos and go from there," Santner said. Kane Williamson's side restricted the Tigers to 244 and with Williamson (40) and Ross Taylor (82) taking them through to 160-2 in the 32nd over, the 2015 World Cup finalists looked on course for an easy win. Bangladesh's slow bowlers, however, fought back as New Zealand lost wickets at crucial junctures until Santner's 20-run stand with Matt Henry pushed them to the cusp of victory. "I thought we were cruising there for a while, we were going to get that two or three down. But credit to the way Bangladesh bowled, they kept fighting to the end," Santner said. It was not the first time that Santner demonstrated his calmness under pressure in one-day internationals. Last year he smashed 45 not out from 27 balls to guide New Zealand to a three-wicket win in Hamilton against England and followed that up with scores of 63 not out in a six-wicket loss at Mt. Maunganui. His run out for 41 in the next game in Wellington probably cost the hosts a win in the five-run loss while he top-scored again with 67 in the fifth game against Eoin Morgan's side. "You want to perform on the biggest stage and there's none bigger than the World Cup," said the left-arm spinner, who missed most of 2018 with a knee injury. "It was nice to get the boys over the line. It got a bit tighter than we would have liked but we'll take the win and move on to the next game," Santner said.

World Cup: Ice-cold Mitchell Santner showcases finishing ability, takes New Zealand past Bangladesh

Major takeaways from first week of the Cricket World Cup 2019

New Zealand beat Bangladesh by two wickets at the Oval on Wednesday as they made it two wins from as many games at the World Cup.

The Black Caps, losing finalists four years ago, achieved a seemingly modest target of 245 thanks mainly to Ross Taylor's 82.

But they lost three wickets for 27 runs before Mitchell Santner (17 not out) and Lockie Ferguson (four not out) saw them to a victory achieved with 17 balls to spare.&nbsp;

Earlier, fast bowler Matt Henry took four for 47 in a Bangladesh total of 244 that featured Shakib Al Hasan's 64.

Henry finished with figures of 4-47 to follow his three wickets against Sri Lanka as Bangladesh -- sent in to bat -- lost their last six wickets for just 65 runs.

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan hit a fighting 68-ball 64 with seven boundaries in his 200th one-day international but no other batsmen cashed in on good starts.

Once Shakib was caught by wicketkeeper Tom Latham off the bowling of Colin de Grandhomme in the 31st over, the innings fell apart.

New Zealand vs Bangladesh match in numbers:
<img alt="Match 9" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8cec1255-146a-415f-a991-de74f9af42a4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/match%209.jpg" />
Mohammad Mitun (26), Mahmudullah (20) and Mosadeek Hossain (11) all failed to build a significant innings.

Tailender Mohammad Saifuddin hit a 23-ball 29 with a six and three boundaries before Henry and Trent Boult (2-44) mopped up the tail.

Earlier, openers Tamim Iqbal, who made 24, and Soumya Sarkar, who scored 25, gave Bangladesh a solid base, putting on 45 runs for the first wicket.

But Henry made the breakthrough for&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand, bowling Sarkar in the ninth over.

That brought Shakib to the crease, much to the appreciation of a large contingent of Bangladeshi supporters.

Iqbal was out shortly afterwards, caught by Boult off the bowling of Lockie Ferguson, to leave Bangladesh 60-2.

Mushfiqur Rahim rebuilt the innings with Shakib, putting on exactly 50 for the third wicket before he was run out for 19.

Both&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;and Bangladesh won their first matches at the World Cup, taking place in England and Wales.

New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;crushed Sri Lanka by 10 wickets at Cardiff while Bangladesh beat South Africa.

New Zealand beat Bangladesh by two wickets at the Oval on Wednesday as they made it two wins from as many games at the World Cup. The Black Caps, losing finalists four years ago, achieved a seemingly modest target of 245 thanks mainly to Ross Taylor's 82.

New Zealand beat Bangladesh by two wickets at the Oval on Wednesday as they made it two wins from as many games at the World Cup. The Black Caps, losing finalists four years ago, achieved a seemingly modest target of 245 thanks mainly to Ross Taylor's 82. But they lost three wickets for 27 runs before Mitchell Santner (17 not out) and Lockie Ferguson (four not out) saw them to a victory achieved with 17 balls to spare. Earlier, fast bowler Matt Henry took four for 47 in a Bangladesh total of 244 that featured Shakib Al Hasan's 64. Henry finished with figures of 4-47 to follow his three wickets against Sri Lanka as Bangladesh -- sent in to bat -- lost their last six wickets for just 65 runs. Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan hit a fighting 68-ball 64 with seven boundaries in his 200th one-day international but no other batsmen cashed in on good starts. Once Shakib was caught by wicketkeeper Tom Latham off the bowling of Colin de Grandhomme in the 31st over, the innings fell apart. New Zealand vs Bangladesh match in numbers: Mohammad Mitun (26), Mahmudullah (20) and Mosadeek Hossain (11) all failed to build a significant innings. Tailender Mohammad Saifuddin hit a 23-ball 29 with a six and three boundaries before Henry and Trent Boult (2-44) mopped up the tail. Earlier, openers Tamim Iqbal, who made 24, and Soumya Sarkar, who scored 25, gave Bangladesh a solid base, putting on 45 runs for the first wicket. But Henry made the breakthrough for New Zealand, bowling Sarkar in the ninth over. That brought Shakib to the crease, much to the appreciation of a large contingent of Bangladeshi supporters. Iqbal was out shortly afterwards, caught by Boult off the bowling of Lockie Ferguson, to leave Bangladesh 60-2. Mushfiqur Rahim rebuilt the innings with Shakib, putting on exactly 50 for the third wicket before he was run out for 19. Both New Zealand and Bangladesh won their first matches at the World Cup, taking place in England and Wales. New Zealand crushed Sri Lanka by 10 wickets at Cardiff while Bangladesh beat South Africa.

New Zealand beat Bangladesh by two wickets in Cricket World Cup

There’s a slight sense of déjà vu about New Zealand versus Sri Lanka in Cardiff, game three of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

In 2015, in the similarly nondescript surroundings of Hagley Oval in Christchurch, the two teams played the first match of the World Cup. Like Hagley Oval, Sophia Gardens is surrounded by a perimeter of thick trees, their dense foliage acting as a pleasant backdrop to a small ground which is, a day before the match, populated by the Sri Lankan and New Zealand cricket teams, a fistful of reporters, a few from the TV crew and of course an array of ICC support and hospitality staff.

For added effect, the sky above is nearing a slate grey much as it was a day before New Zealand and Sri Lanka began the last World Cup four years ago.

Yes, déjà vu alright.

But that’s where the similarities end, even though the Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson admits it is a bit of a coincidence that his team is again opening their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka.

Four years ago, Williamson played the World Cup under the inspirational captaincy of Brendon McCullum and had a fairly muted tournament with the bat. McCullum is of course retired and Williamson is the captain of New Zealand, with a 34-29-2 record in ODIs.

His batting has remained as classy and dependable as it was under McCullum, and now Williamson will lead New Zealand against Sri Lanka in their opening match at Cardiff on Saturday.

Asked to look back at 2015, Williamson found the situation different but could identify a similar rush of positivity.

“Naturally a little bit different just being different seasons, I suppose. The last campaign we were playing a lot of cricket in our home summer, I guess in some ways preparing for the World Cup which was also at home,” he told reporters on Friday.

“Being over in this part of the world heading into winter at home meant it was a little bit different. We had IPL guys who were playing cricket in different parts, which was a good thing, and so we were able to make sure we were getting cricket in. There was some cricket in Australia. Everybody was playing, which was nice. I guess the difference between playing months together and then going into World Cup versus perhaps not and guys being quite excited to get back together as a group is still a positive thing.

“It [2015 World Cup] was a lot of fun and we really enjoyed that tournament. I guess we come to now and so many things are different and have changed and different personnel on both sides. I guess it’s coincidence that we’re playing each other again in our first matches. But, yeah, the focus is very much on our team, the sort of cricket that we want to be playing, the attitudes we want to be taking into the first match, and that’s where we’ll place our importance.”

New Zealand go into the World Cup after gap of a few months, having ended their home season in February. This year, in ODIs, they have swept Sri Lanka and Bangladesh 3-0 and lost to India 1-4, all at home. Post the Bangladesh series, some of their players went to play in the IPL. They are back together in England, having beaten India and lost to New Zealand in their two World Cup warm-ups.

Their opponents, Sri Lanka, have in 2019 been whitewashed by South Africa 0-5 after the winless tour of New Zealand. Most recently, they won an ODI against Scotland. They are a team flying very low under the radar, chiefly because of poor form and inconsistency, chopping and changing and the fact that their new captain, Dimuth Karuraratne had, before the aforementioned Scotland match, not played an ODI since the 2015 World Cup.

Smart man that he is, Williamson did not go anywhere near venturing to say that New Zealand have the upper hand over an opponent they last lost an ODI to in … wait for it … 2015.

“I don’t know how much the past really counts as we come into a tournament. It is on the day,” said Williamson. “We know in this competition that any team can beat any of the other teams, so we’re certainly treating all our matches like that. We want to bring the focus back to the cricket we want to play day in and day out.

“Naturally when you go through the tournament you play one country and you might have two or three days, play another country on another surface, and you’re trying to, I guess, stay up-to-date with the different I suppose plans that you’re adjusting with the different opposition.

“But our focus is much about the cricket that we want to play. We know the Sri Lankan side is a little bit different to the one we played at home, but we have no doubt they’re a tough side.”

So far, the sense of déjà vu lingers. Whether Sri Lanka smash that on Saturday with victory over New Zealand remains to be seen.

(This article was originally published on Cricket Country. Read the <a href="https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/cricket-world-cup-2015-firmly-behind-kane-williamsons-new-zealand-as-they-reunite-with-sri-lanka-850269">original article</a>)

There’s a slight sense of déjà vu about New Zealand versus Sri Lanka in Cardiff, game three of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. In 2015, in the similarly nondescript surroundings of Hagley Oval in Christchurch, the two teams played the first match of the World Cup.

There’s a slight sense of déjà vu about New Zealand versus Sri Lanka in Cardiff, game three of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. In 2015, in the similarly nondescript surroundings of Hagley Oval in Christchurch, the two teams played the first match of the World Cup. Like Hagley Oval, Sophia Gardens is surrounded by a perimeter of thick trees, their dense foliage acting as a pleasant backdrop to a small ground which is, a day before the match, populated by the Sri Lankan and New Zealand cricket teams, a fistful of reporters, a few from the TV crew and of course an array of ICC support and hospitality staff. For added effect, the sky above is nearing a slate grey much as it was a day before New Zealand and Sri Lanka began the last World Cup four years ago. Yes, déjà vu alright. But that’s where the similarities end, even though the Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson admits it is a bit of a coincidence that his team is again opening their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka. Four years ago, Williamson played the World Cup under the inspirational captaincy of Brendon McCullum and had a fairly muted tournament with the bat. McCullum is of course retired and Williamson is the captain of New Zealand, with a 34-29-2 record in ODIs. His batting has remained as classy and dependable as it was under McCullum, and now Williamson will lead New Zealand against Sri Lanka in their opening match at Cardiff on Saturday. Asked to look back at 2015, Williamson found the situation different but could identify a similar rush of positivity. “Naturally a little bit different just being different seasons, I suppose. The last campaign we were playing a lot of cricket in our home summer, I guess in some ways preparing for the World Cup which was also at home,” he told reporters on Friday. “Being over in this part of the world heading into winter at home meant it was a little bit different. We had IPL guys who were playing cricket in different parts, which was a good thing, and so we were able to make sure we were getting cricket in. There was some cricket in Australia. Everybody was playing, which was nice. I guess the difference between playing months together and then going into World Cup versus perhaps not and guys being quite excited to get back together as a group is still a positive thing. “It [2015 World Cup] was a lot of fun and we really enjoyed that tournament. I guess we come to now and so many things are different and have changed and different personnel on both sides. I guess it’s coincidence that we’re playing each other again in our first matches. But, yeah, the focus is very much on our team, the sort of cricket that we want to be playing, the attitudes we want to be taking into the first match, and that’s where we’ll place our importance.” New Zealand go into the World Cup after gap of a few months, having ended their home season in February. This year, in ODIs, they have swept Sri Lanka and Bangladesh 3-0 and lost to India 1-4, all at home. Post the Bangladesh series, some of their players went to play in the IPL. They are back together in England, having beaten India and lost to New Zealand in their two World Cup warm-ups. Their opponents, Sri Lanka, have in 2019 been whitewashed by South Africa 0-5 after the winless tour of New Zealand. Most recently, they won an ODI against Scotland. They are a team flying very low under the radar, chiefly because of poor form and inconsistency, chopping and changing and the fact that their new captain, Dimuth Karuraratne had, before the aforementioned Scotland match, not played an ODI since the 2015 World Cup. Smart man that he is, Williamson did not go anywhere near venturing to say that New Zealand have the upper hand over an opponent they last lost an ODI to in … wait for it … 2015. “I don’t know how much the past really counts as we come into a tournament. It is on the day,” said Williamson. “We know in this competition that any team can beat any of the other teams, so we’re certainly treating all our matches like that. We want to bring the focus back to the cricket we want to play day in and day out. “Naturally when you go through the tournament you play one country and you might have two or three days, play another country on another surface, and you’re trying to, I guess, stay up-to-date with the different I suppose plans that you’re adjusting with the different opposition. “But our focus is much about the cricket that we want to play. We know the Sri Lankan side is a little bit different to the one we played at home, but we have no doubt they’re a tough side.” So far, the sense of déjà vu lingers. Whether Sri Lanka smash that on Saturday with victory over New Zealand remains to be seen. (This article was originally published on Cricket Country. Read the original article)

Cricket World Cup: 2015 firmly behind Kane Williamson's New Zealand as they reunite with Sri Lanka

New Zealand are confident wicket-keeper Tom Latham will be fit for their opening game of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-cup-2019-jofra-archers-impact-makes-england-an-even-tougher-force-223067">2019 ICC Cricket World Cup</a> against Sri Lanka on June 1.

The wicket-keeper's fitness had been a doubt after he broke his finger during a warm-up game in Australia earlier this month.

Latham trained fully for the first time on May 30 and said he felt no pain or discomfort as he batted in the nets and caught balls at full pace.

He remains on track to be available for selection for their first game.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead confirmed that signs were positive for Latham, but said they still need to monitor him in the coming days.

"He's probably slightly ahead of time. So far Tom's reached all the milestones that we've wanted him to, and today was another step, taking balls with more heat on them and making him dive and jump around a wee bit more. It's a bit bent from what happened, but he's had no pain so far, which means the bone has knitted back well," Stead said in a press conference.

Explaining the condition of his finger, Latham said, "It's nice to get through training but we'll still wait and see how it pulls up tonight and tomorrow.

"If Latham needs more time to nurse his injury, the Kiwi side will call up their back-up keeper Tom Blundell, who is yet to make his ODI debut.

Blundell scored a century in New Zealand's second warm-up match against the West Indies.

"He played a fantastic inning. Even the way he went in Australia before we came over here, he's certainly hitting the ball really well and the ball looks like it's going into the gloves nicely. It's a nice confidence boost for him to get some runs against a good West Indies attack and Australia as well," said Latham.

Here's the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019:

<img alt="ICC World Cup 2019" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="387800e3-06ae-45c2-a65b-2e5b7a13a7a2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ICC%20World%20Cup%202019%20%281%29_14.jpg" />

New Zealand play their opening game of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-africa-outplayed-but-not-downbeat-says-faf-du-plessis-222986">2019 ICC Cricket World Cup</a> against Sri Lanka on June 1.

New Zealand are confident wicket-keeper Tom Latham will be fit for their opening game of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup against Sri Lanka on June 1. The wicket-keeper's fitness had been a doubt after he broke his finger during a warm-up game in Australia earlier this month.

New Zealand are confident wicket-keeper Tom Latham will be fit for their opening game of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup against Sri Lanka on June 1. The wicket-keeper's fitness had been a doubt after he broke his finger during a warm-up game in Australia earlier this month. Latham trained fully for the first time on May 30 and said he felt no pain or discomfort as he batted in the nets and caught balls at full pace. He remains on track to be available for selection for their first game. New Zealand head coach Gary Stead confirmed that signs were positive for Latham, but said they still need to monitor him in the coming days. "He's probably slightly ahead of time. So far Tom's reached all the milestones that we've wanted him to, and today was another step, taking balls with more heat on them and making him dive and jump around a wee bit more. It's a bit bent from what happened, but he's had no pain so far, which means the bone has knitted back well," Stead said in a press conference. Explaining the condition of his finger, Latham said, "It's nice to get through training but we'll still wait and see how it pulls up tonight and tomorrow. "If Latham needs more time to nurse his injury, the Kiwi side will call up their back-up keeper Tom Blundell, who is yet to make his ODI debut. Blundell scored a century in New Zealand's second warm-up match against the West Indies. "He played a fantastic inning. Even the way he went in Australia before we came over here, he's certainly hitting the ball really well and the ball looks like it's going into the gloves nicely. It's a nice confidence boost for him to get some runs against a good West Indies attack and Australia as well," said Latham. Here's the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019: New Zealand play their opening game of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup against Sri Lanka on June 1.

New Zealand confident of Tom Latham's fitness ahead of their World Cup opener against Sri Lanka

New Zealand unveiled plans on Thursday to spend up to $2.47 billion a year under its 'wellbeing' approach, which the government has touted as a new way of budgeting that moves beyond measuring just economic growth.

Much of the excitement around the 'wellbeing' budget was dampened after some plans of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's government were released earlier by the opposition party.

The Labour-led government allocated over a billion dollars each for issues like mental health and child poverty. It also targeted funds towards tackling domestic violence, and for infrastructure projects like rail, hospitals and schools.

"We are measuring our country's success differently," said Finance minister Grant Robertson. "We are not just relying on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but also how we are improving the wellbeing of our people, protecting the environment and strengthening of our communities."

The budget increases annual operating allowance for new spending to $3.8 billion per year over the four-year forecast period, from $2.4 billion in the previous budget.

The operating allowance for budget 2020 has also increased to $3.0 billion from $2.4 billion.

The Treasury department downgraded its gross domestic product forecasts to 2.1% in the year ending June 30, 2019, compared to 2.9% predicted in December, hurt by a cooling global economy and slowing domestic consumption.

GDP was forecast at 3.2% in fiscal 2020, and was seen averaging at about 2.6 per cent over the forecasted four-year period.

Robertson said the economy faces continuing risks from the US-China trade disputes and Brexit.

The budget forecast an operating surplus of NZ$3.5 billion for the year ending June, up from NZ$1.7 billion forecast in December.

The country's debt is forecast to drop to 19.9% by 2022.

Goals missed

Despite enjoying a 'rockstar' economy for years, some New Zealanders have felt left behind due to the rising inequality.

Ardern, the popular 38-year-old Prime Minister, came to power in 2017 with an agenda of social justice and promising to make the economy "work for all New Zealanders".

Some questioned whether the budget had lived up to the government's stated goals to transform the economy and pointed out that the spending increase was still relatively modest as the government stuck firmly to its targets of paying down debt.

"They have spent on their priorities that they stated they would but I just don't get the sense that its the transformation that we have been promised," said Ganesh Nana, chief economist at Wellington economic think tank BERL.

Critics, many in the Labour's left-wing base, already felt the government has already missed key opportunities to fulfill its transformative goals.

Ardern made a surprise U-turn in April by ruling out a capital gains tax during her tenure, long a Labour policy to tackle wealth inequality.

Tens of thousands of New Zealand teachers staged the country's largest strike on Wednesday, and doctors, nurses and others also threatening industrial action this year for higher pay and shorter hours.

New Zealand unveiled plans on Thursday to spend up to $2.47 billion a year under its 'wellbeing' approach, which the government has touted as a new way of budgeting that moves beyond measuring just economic growth.

New Zealand unveiled plans on Thursday to spend up to $2.47 billion a year under its 'wellbeing' approach, which the government has touted as a new way of budgeting that moves beyond measuring just economic growth. Much of the excitement around the 'wellbeing' budget was dampened after some plans of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's government were released earlier by the opposition party. The Labour-led government allocated over a billion dollars each for issues like mental health and child poverty. It also targeted funds towards tackling domestic violence, and for infrastructure projects like rail, hospitals and schools. "We are measuring our country's success differently," said Finance minister Grant Robertson. "We are not just relying on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but also how we are improving the wellbeing of our people, protecting the environment and strengthening of our communities." The budget increases annual operating allowance for new spending to $3.8 billion per year over the four-year forecast period, from $2.4 billion in the previous budget. The operating allowance for budget 2020 has also increased to $3.0 billion from $2.4 billion. The Treasury department downgraded its gross domestic product forecasts to 2.1% in the year ending June 30, 2019, compared to 2.9% predicted in December, hurt by a cooling global economy and slowing domestic consumption. GDP was forecast at 3.2% in fiscal 2020, and was seen averaging at about 2.6 per cent over the forecasted four-year period. Robertson said the economy faces continuing risks from the US-China trade disputes and Brexit. The budget forecast an operating surplus of NZ$3.5 billion for the year ending June, up from NZ$1.7 billion forecast in December. The country's debt is forecast to drop to 19.9% by 2022. Goals missed Despite enjoying a 'rockstar' economy for years, some New Zealanders have felt left behind due to the rising inequality. Ardern, the popular 38-year-old Prime Minister, came to power in 2017 with an agenda of social justice and promising to make the economy "work for all New Zealanders". Some questioned whether the budget had lived up to the government's stated goals to transform the economy and pointed out that the spending increase was still relatively modest as the government stuck firmly to its targets of paying down debt. "They have spent on their priorities that they stated they would but I just don't get the sense that its the transformation that we have been promised," said Ganesh Nana, chief economist at Wellington economic think tank BERL. Critics, many in the Labour's left-wing base, already felt the government has already missed key opportunities to fulfill its transformative goals. Ardern made a surprise U-turn in April by ruling out a capital gains tax during her tenure, long a Labour policy to tackle wealth inequality. Tens of thousands of New Zealand teachers staged the country's largest strike on Wednesday, and doctors, nurses and others also threatening industrial action this year for higher pay and shorter hours.

New Zealand unveils spending boost in 'wellbeing' budget; cuts 2019 growth forecast

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/consistency-key-for-dangerous-west-indies-at-world-cup-brian-lara-208975&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjM7PKi6MDiAhVMuo8KHaVdCMUQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0jUSDUXjOzNR9CgLVwOD9Y">West Indies</a> missed a historic run-mark in their second World Cup warm-up match.

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/chris-gayle-named-vice-captain-of-windies-world-cup-team-216601&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjM7PKi6MDiAhVMuo8KHaVdCMUQFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1e5yLV0-qZCv-IPbpVc-qC">Caribbean side</a> fell short of 79 runs to post the first-ever target of 500 runs in one-day international (ODI).

Century by Shai Hope and half-century by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/andre-russell-named-in-west-indies-world-cup-squad-kieron-pollard-and-sunil-narine-omitted-213370&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjM7PKi6MDiAhVMuo8KHaVdCMUQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw23HYA6N_xgtzGJJdpMcuxr">Andre Russell</a> helped West Indies to score a mammoth total after being asked to bat first.

On the 500-run mark, Shai said that it is definitely a goal and they can achieve it at some point with the batting power they have.

"It is definitely a goal we can try to achieve at some point," Hope said.

"Definitely, it would be great to be the first team to cross that 500 mark, and I am sure we have the batting firepower to do it," said Shai Hope.

Talking about the team performance batting all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite said that the tailenders can't contribute the same as they played against New Zealand, Also, it depends on the intent, situation, and execution from the batsmen.

"However, in a real game, you probably won't have the depth in batting at 10 and 11 that we had today. So you need to be a little real about the target," said Carlos Brathwaite.

"But what I will say is the intent and the execution from batsman to batsman, situation to situation, believe it or not, there were some times when we consolidated. So that was beautiful. Just to play what was probably the perfect batting innings as a team. Hopefully, we can get 325 consistently. That is probably about par in these conditions. And then, the odd day we can get 400 and give the bowlers a little bit of leeway," added Brathwaite.

Further, Carlos applauds Andre Russell over his batting style and his big hitting capabilities.

"Russell is just incredible, a freak of nature, really. I don't really know what to say about him. He just hits it, and once he hits it, it goes for six. It is a pleasure to be on the same team as him, I can tell you that. If you are on the field, you are not sure what you are going to bowl at him. It is just nice to enjoy from the inside," said Brathwaite.

A big part of West Indies chances of making 500 is Andre Russell, who brought his unreal form in the Indian Premier League to this match.

He made 54 from 25 balls and had he stayed at the crease for longer, West Indies would have been looking at 450-plus.

West Indies will take on Pakistan in their opening match of the World Cup on May 31 at Trent Bridge.

West Indies missed a historic run-mark in their second World Cup warm-up match. The Caribbean side fell short of 79 runs to post the first-ever target of 500 runs in one-day international (ODI).

West Indies missed a historic run-mark in their second World Cup warm-up match. The Caribbean side fell short of 79 runs to post the first-ever target of 500 runs in one-day international (ODI). Century by Shai Hope and half-century by Andre Russell helped West Indies to score a mammoth total after being asked to bat first. On the 500-run mark, Shai said that it is definitely a goal and they can achieve it at some point with the batting power they have. "It is definitely a goal we can try to achieve at some point," Hope said. "Definitely, it would be great to be the first team to cross that 500 mark, and I am sure we have the batting firepower to do it," said Shai Hope. Talking about the team performance batting all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite said that the tailenders can't contribute the same as they played against New Zealand, Also, it depends on the intent, situation, and execution from the batsmen. "However, in a real game, you probably won't have the depth in batting at 10 and 11 that we had today. So you need to be a little real about the target," said Carlos Brathwaite. "But what I will say is the intent and the execution from batsman to batsman, situation to situation, believe it or not, there were some times when we consolidated. So that was beautiful. Just to play what was probably the perfect batting innings as a team. Hopefully, we can get 325 consistently. That is probably about par in these conditions. And then, the odd day we can get 400 and give the bowlers a little bit of leeway," added Brathwaite. Further, Carlos applauds Andre Russell over his batting style and his big hitting capabilities. "Russell is just incredible, a freak of nature, really. I don't really know what to say about him. He just hits it, and once he hits it, it goes for six. It is a pleasure to be on the same team as him, I can tell you that. If you are on the field, you are not sure what you are going to bowl at him. It is just nice to enjoy from the inside," said Brathwaite. A big part of West Indies chances of making 500 is Andre Russell, who brought his unreal form in the Indian Premier League to this match. He made 54 from 25 balls and had he stayed at the crease for longer, West Indies would have been looking at 450-plus. West Indies will take on Pakistan in their opening match of the World Cup on May 31 at Trent Bridge.

West Indies miss 500-run mark in World Cup warm-up match agaisnt New Zealand

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