Last Updated: November 16, 2023, 01:00 IST
MUMBAI: New Zealand captain Kane Williamson on Wednesday heaped reward on India after shedding the World Cup semi-final on the Wankhede Stadium, saying the unbeaten hosts had been merely the perfect facet round and had been enjoying excellent cricket.
Chasing a 398-run goal set by India, the 2019 runners-up who’ve by no means received the competitors stayed within the hunt via a wonderful 134 from Daryl Mitchell however ended up shedding by 70 runs with quick bowler Mohammed Shami choosing up seven wickets for the hosts.
Williamson was happy with his staff’s battle throughout the chase however had no qualms in giving credit score to India, who’ve received all their 10 matches within the event.
“India are playing seriously good cricket, they’re a class side at the top of their game and to come out in a semi-final and continue and repeat what they’ve been doing throughout this competition shows where they’re at as a team,” Williamson advised reporters.
“They’re the best team in the world and they’re all playing their best cricket, so that’s tough. The way they’ve played throughout this tournament has been incredible.”
Williamson admitted that his staff, who beat India within the 2019 semi-finals earlier than shedding to England by the narrowest of margins, had been unable to create alternatives to limit their opponents, who received the toss and placed on a complete of 397 for 4 after batting first.
The New Zealand captain stated he was happy with his staff’s efficiency over the period of the event.
“We try and focus on our cricket, not just on one day, but for a period of time and that’s how I try and reflect on our time here,” he stated. “I know it’s still quite recent and it is disappointing without a doubt to not go further.
“But in terms of taking steps forward as a team and wanting to do it at the right times there was a lot of good stuff but that blue machine keeps rolling and they were too good for us today.”
Williamson was effusive in his reward for Mitchell, who additionally scored 130 in New Zealand’s round-robin stage match towards India at Dharamsala final month.
“Mitchell, phenomenal player and just the ultimate competitor, he goes out there, he loves the occasion, and he’s been outstanding for us throughout this whole tournament,” stated Williamson.
“And to go out and do what he did today, giving us a chance, albeit the slimmest chance, but we’ll take anything when you’re chasing 400, was a fine effort from a world-class player.”
(This story has not been edited by News18 workers and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed – Reuters)
