MUMBAI – New Zealand will method their blockbuster World Cup semi-final in opposition to India with a clear slate and confidence of their capability to upstage the in-form hosts in Mumbai, skipper Kane Williamson mentioned on Tuesday.
The Black Caps started the match with 4 straight wins however suffered the primary of 4 successive defeats in opposition to Rohit Sharma’s aspect amid a interval of harm points, earlier than reserving a spot in Wednesday’s semi-final with a late push.
Williamson, who returned from knee surgical procedure for the World Cup and recovered from a fractured finger throughout it, missed the loss to India however is count oning a equally powerful check from the hosts who went unbeaten within the group stage. “We all know it’s going to be a extremely powerful challenge. They’re a aspect that’s been taking part in extraordinarily nicely, however we additionally know come finals time everything begins once more and it’s all in regards to the day,” Williamson informed reporters.
“So for us as a crew it’s very a lot the deal with our cricket once more. We’ve performed good cricket all through. We’ve had a couple of slender losses and some wins alongside the way in which which have put us on this place we’re in. “We’re excited in regards to the challenge forward.”
New Zealand dashed India’s hopes within the semi-finals of the 2019 version and Williamson mentioned he was not involved that his aspect have been nonetheless thought-about underdogs. “I don’t assume it has modified an excessive amount of, however that’s positive and India have been exceptional,” Williamson mentioned.
“One of many, if not the most effective crew going round and taking part in cricket that matches that. However we all know as nicely, on our day after we play our greatest cricket it actually offers us the most effective probability. And are available finals time something can occur.”
Prime-order batsman Rachin Ravindra crammed the void left by Williamson throughout their campaign and has been a revelation with 565 runs to earn reward from the skipper. “It’s not simply the amount of runs that he’s achieved to date however how he’s been scoring them and the way it’s been geared in the direction of attempting to maneuver the crew ahead,” Williamson mentioned. “Some fantastic contributions and at such a younger age. I’m certain we’ll see a lot extra of it to return.”
Replying to a question in regards to the crowd throughout the semifinal, Williamson mentioned: “We’re count oning a reasonably blue crowd that might be supporting their crew. “We keep in mind over time, plenty of completely different crowds that we’ve had that haven’t all the time been your personal followers.
“We’ve obtained a small nation that doesn’t all the time fill out the stadiums, however you continue to appreciate the environment it brings. “Not many individuals get that opportunity, cricket in India, playing in opposition to India in a World Cup semifinal, is particular and one thing to understand and sit up for.”