Doull backs New Zealand to reach World Cup quarterfinals

Bangalore, Feb 14: Former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull has said that the Black Caps should at least make the quarterfinals at the upcoming World Cup, but anything better than that would be a massive surprise.

“In order to make the final eight they simply need to overcome the three minnows – Zimbabwe, Canada and Kenya – in their pool. But if they can’t beat at least two of the big boys in the same group – Australia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan – the reality is they will probably end up playing either India or South Africa in the quarterfinals,” Doull wrote in an article for Stuff.co.nz.

“Given their recent form it would take a brave fan to back the New Zealanders to go any further than the final eight,” he added.

The 41-year-old further believes that new coach John Wright will be an added advantage for the team in the Indian sub-continent.

“If anyone knows how to play – and win – in India it’s New Zealand coach John Wright. During his time at the helm of the Indian national side Wright had a lot of success in that part of the world,” Doull wrote.

“Wright’s time in India will have allowed him to grow his extensive contact book, meaning help and expertise from some of world cricket’s most influential men will be but a phone call away,” he added.