New Zealand captain Kane Williamson reacts after the crew’s defeat towards India of their World Cup 2023 semifinal match at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 15, 2023.
| Photo Credit: ANI
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson on Wednesday heaped reward on India after dropping the World Cup semi-final on the Wankhede Stadium, saying the unbeaten hosts have been merely the very best facet round and have been enjoying excellent cricket.
Chasing a 398-run goal set by India, the 2019 runners-up who’ve by no means gained the competitors stayed within the hunt by a superb 134 from Daryl Mitchell however ended up dropping by 70 runs with quick bowler Mohammed Shami choosing up seven wickets for the hosts.
Williamson was pleased with his crew’s battle throughout the chase however had no qualms in giving credit score to India, who’ve gained all their 10 matches within the match.
“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 informed 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 crew, who beat India within the 2019 semi-finals earlier than dropping to England by the narrowest of margins, have been unable to create alternatives to limit their opponents, who gained the toss and placed on a complete of 397 for 4 after batting first.
The New Zealand captain stated he was pleased with his crew’s efficiency over the length of the match.
“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 by way of taking steps ahead as a crew and desirous to do it on the proper occasions there was loads of great things however that blue machine retains rolling they usually have been too good for us at present.”
Williamson was effusive in his praise for Mitchell, who also scored 130 in New Zealand’s round-robin stage match against India at Dharamsala last month.
“Mitchell, phenomenal participant and simply the last word competitor, he goes on the market, he loves the event, and he is been excellent for us all through this entire match,” said Williamson.
“And to exit and do what he did at present, giving us an opportunity, albeit the slimmest likelihood, however we’ll take something whenever you’re chasing 400, was a wonderful effort from a world-class participant.”
