The ICC World Twenty/20 will not be a total lottery but an ounce of luck can certainly make a difference. Arguably, the abbreviated form of the game is New Zealand's best format. So forget about disappointing second-innings collapses and wicketless sessions. The Black Caps actually boast some real match-winners. Cricket writer Adrian Seconi reports.
Brave, bold and balanced. The world's No 1-ranked twenty/20 batsman cracked an undefeated 158 in the inaugural game of IPL and who will ever forget his remarkable century against Australia in 2009-10.
He had the audacity to scoop Shaun Tait over the keeper for a series of boundaries.
Of course, he is still celebrated around Otago for his match-winning performance in the 2007-08 domestic one-day final. Treat yourself and watch the clip on the internet.
He scored 170 that day and we doubt anyone else in the world could have played that innings.
And the way he swivels into a pull shot is a wonder to behold.
Dynamic, athletic and combative. Brendon's older brother Nathan has found his niche in twenty/20 cricket. He is, in many ways, the perfect modern day cricketer.
He is superb fieldsman capable of pulling off the most stunning of catches.
And you simply don't run until you are certain the ball has escaped his clutches.
The off-spinner is the world No 5 ranked twenty/20 bowler and New Zealand's leading twenty/20 wicket-taker, nudging Daniel Vettori into second place.
He is also an explosive lower-order batsman, who can peel off boundaries without facing a few warm-up deliveries first.
Experienced, crafty and miserly. Vettori is frugal with a capital F and the master of flight and subtle variations. You would have more chance getting change from a fiver these days than you would free runs from his bowling.
Every side knows the challenge the left arm spinner presents and seem prepared to defend his overs while attacking from the other end.
He is vastly experienced campaigner and the former captain is an unorthodox middle-to-lower order batsman who employs the slice, slap and slog to rather good effect.
He might be coming to the end of a fruitful career, but New Zealand teams still have more confidence and belief when he is in them.
Impulsive, daring and entertaining. Taylor might trail team-mates Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill in the world rankings but he is the country's premier batsman and a potent force on the international stage.
His ability to find the midwicket boundary with his trademark slog sweep must give slow bowlers pause for thought.
And when Taylor is in the mood, he swings even the best deliveries in that direction.
It is often the source of his downfall but he is at his best when he plays instinctively and without fear.
He is still new to the captaincy role but has two superb lieutenants in Brendon McCullum and Vettori.
Resilient, pugnacious and under-rated. Twenty/20 can be a graveyard for seam bowlers. The game is set up for batsmen to dominate but there is still room for some heroics with the ball.
Mills has survived many awry deliveries during the course of a long career and has always bounced back.
Just last week, the veteran helped the Black Caps upset India in a twenty/20 mach with two for for 17 from three tidy overs. He has the knack of picking up early wickets and is one of the few who appear happy to bowl at the death. It is a heavy burden but Mills has broad shoulders.
THE BEST OF THE OTHERS
• West Indies batting supremo Chris Gayle is the perfect combination of power and economy of movement.
• Exciting England opener Craig Kieswetter was man of the match in the final against Australia in 2010.
• Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh beat cancer and a lot of bowling attacks into submission over the years. Handy part-time bowler, as well.
• The stage is set for Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis to work his magic on home pitches.
• South African batsman Hashim Amla has a superior technique and appears impervious to pressure.
• Australian opener David Warner got his start in the shortened game and can really club the ball.
• Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal is the No 1 ranked bowler in twenty/20.
ICC World Twenty/20
New Zealand's draw
• v Bangladesh, Friday, 10pm
• v Pakistan, Sunday, 10pm
• Super 8, September 27-October 2
• Semifinals, October 4-5
• Final, October 7
