The Black Caps are on the eve of their T20 World Cup opener against Afghanistan and Kiwi bowler Trent Boult thinks that the squad selected for this tournament is capable of challenging for a maiden title.
“We've got some players that are very experienced in their own right and I think this is one of the best T20 squads New Zealand has ever put out,” Boult told Breakfast this morning.
The Black Caps come into this T20 World Cup off the back of a tied T20 series in Pakistan, with many notable players missing from the New Zealand squad.
Boult said he doesn’t need much motivation to be part of the Black Caps side for an international tournament.
“I think I'm always under pressure to perform, I always take a lot of pride in my performance… I’ve been agonisingly close to lifting a white ball trophy along with a couple guys in the team.”
Boult has had limited time playing this format at international level in recent years, but featured in the Black Caps home T20 series against Australia earlier this year.
The swing-bowler was the joint second highest wicket taker at the last T20 World Cup in 2022 with 13 wickets.
This year's T20 World Cup is being jointly hosted by the US and the West Indies with Boult already having experience playing cricket in this part of the world as part of the new Major League Cricket competition.
Boult only recently joined the side in Guyana as he took a break after his IPL season with the Rajasthan Royals ended in late May.
The 34-year-old is hopeful this won’t be his last tournament for the Black Caps but wants to have some success with the national team.
“I try not to get too far ahead of myself, I just take every opportunity with open hands… there seems to be an ICC tournament every year.
“As a fast bowler, you never know how long you may have.”
The Black Caps face Afghanistan for their T20 World Cup opener tomorrow in Georgetown, Guyana with first ball at 11:30am New Zealand time.
Black Caps squad for T20 World Cup:
Kane Williamson (C), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee.
Ben Sears - travelling reserve
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