File image of Kane Williamson
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson Admitted that playing the second leg of the Indian Premier League in the United Arab Emirates helped to better understand the conditions ahead of the T20 World Cup.
New Zealand will take on England in the semi-finals and on the eve of the match, Williamson said that he initially felt that Asian teams would have a distinct advantage, but after playing in the match. IPL Made him realize that the margin is fine.
“The IPL and I think other franchises are essential, but certainly add a lot to the knowledge of players from all countries,” Williamson said at the pre-match press conference.
“And add to that the experience of being able to share and I think that’s what we’ve seen in this tournament and we’ve certainly seen variability and surfaces in the second half of the IPL, which might find itself more natural for some sides.” But you are like those times when you compete in different sports and the margins are fine.”
Williamson feels that while the margins are really fine, New Zealand have also been ‘lucky’.
“We know coming into this tournament that really any team can beat anyone and we saw that there are other sides throughout the competition that were probably favourites. And we are lucky that day but I think That this is a tournament game too.
“So it’s great that we’re feeling lucky to get through the stages and play some proper cricket and we want to keep that going,” said the amiable Black Caps captain.
Five years ago, Williamson captained the ICC event for the first time in the 2016 T20 World Cup and the captain feels a lot has changed since then.
“There have been some really good strides ahead and in this tournament compared to the last one, I think there are some new faces and a real mix of that kind of youth and experience.
“But yeah, it’s been a good journey, I think from five years ago. And it’s good to be here and get into the semi-finals. But people are really looking forward to the challenge and continue to focus on it.” We want to try and improve the cricket we are playing.
Williamson heaps praise on the fast bowlers pair Trent Boult And Tim Southee, who have been an integral part of New Zealand’s success.
“They have been fantastic. They have been in the team for a long time in all formats and are really experienced operators for us. And they are all experienced when it comes to playing in different conditions,” he added.
“And executing their skills beautifully and showcasing their feeling to the highest standards. They’re doing a fantastic job for us, really leading our attack who are doing well and Adjusts well to the various surfaces we’ve been on. and a real force in our favor.”
Williamson also talked about the batting of Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway throughout the tournament.
“I mean, someone like Devon has played this kind of role for us anyway, on the New Zealand team for a while. He’s a very experienced player.
“Although relatively new to the international game, he is clearly world class in his skill set and a great head on his shoulders. He has made those adjustments really quickly and has come to the UAE, which It’s his first time, and has played some really important roles for us.”
When asked to open the innings, Mitchell got New Zealand off to a good start. His best score in the tournament so far has been 49 off 35 balls against India.
“And Daryl, who has been involved in many formats and brought a great attitude and I think everyone’s preparation has probably been a little different coming into the tournament and Daryl has found himself to be at the top of the order to the best of his ability. To hit the ball hard and straight and also to play spin.
Williamson is also wary of England, which has several white-ball match winners in its team.
“Look, they have match winners in their entire team. And it’s been big, I think, their white-ball pace. Full of power as well as deep batting.
“I spent a lot of time with Liam (Livingstone) in Birmingham Phoenix, played brilliantly through the 100-ball competition. There are many threats and many match winners. We also have many match winners,” Williamson said.
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