Key Highlights :
The cricketing world is gearing up for a thrilling semi-final between India and New Zealand in the 2019 Cricket World Cup. Hosts India have been in fine form throughout the tournament, winning all nine of their group-stage games and are the favourites to go on and lift the trophy for the first time since 2011. But New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is upbeat about his team’s chances of taking down “exceptional” India when the teams meet in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Williamson, speaking to a press conference, acknowledged India’s impressive form throughout the tournament, but was confident that his team could cause an upset if they played to their best ability. “India have been exceptional,” he said. “They are one of the, if not the best team going around and are playing cricket that matches that. But we know on our day, when we play our best cricket, it gives us the best chance.”
The Black Caps have suffered four group-stage defeats, including a four-wicket loss to India on October 22, but Williamson is adamant that this will have no bearing when the teams meet again in the semi-final. “We know it’s going to be a really tough challenge,” he said. “They are a side that have been playing extremely well but we all know, come finals time, everything starts again and it’s all about the day. Every game in this tournament is a tricky one. As we’ve seen throughout, anybody can beat anybody on the day, whether that be the quality on both sides but also the change in conditions and if that has an impact.”
New Zealand have been preparing for the semi-final with some football in their training session, and Williamson is confident that his team will be ready to take on India. “For us, it’s great to have got to the final stage and then take a fresh approach because it does start again,” he said.
The match between India and New Zealand promises to be an exciting one, with both teams keen to make it to the final of the 2019 Cricket World Cup. India have been in outstanding form throughout the tournament, but New Zealand captain Kane Williamson remains upbeat about his team’s chances of taking down the hosts. With the teams set to meet in Mumbai on Wednesday, the cricketing world awaits to see who will come out on top.