After winning the ICC World Test Championship 2021 win, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is aiming to win the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman later this year.
New Zealand won the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in June 2021 defeating India in the finals in Southampton but is yet to clinch ODI or T20 World Cup, though, they came close to the glory at the World Cup in 2019 and 2015.
But this time, they are one of the strongest teams to win the T20 World Cup 2021.
Williamson said New Zealand has all bases covered and has a very strong squad for the T20 World Cup to be played from October 17 to November 14 in the UAE and Oman. New Zealand will begin their T20 World Cup 2021 campaign on 26 October against Pakistan.
The Black Caps have a strong batting line-up with the addition of fresh blood in Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips while they have also a strong pace and spin bowling department with seamers Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, and Kyle Jamieson, and spinners Ish Sodhi, Todd Astle and Mitchell Santner.
Williamson said: “I think we’ve got a pretty well-balanced side with a good mix of exciting new talent and some experience. I know our guys are really looking forward to another world event and being able to represent New Zealand on the global stage in these challenging times.”
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He added, “It’s always a highly competitive event with every team possessing match-winners who can turn games quickly. We’ve got a strong pool with India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan so far. All teams are strong which make way for an exciting competition.”
The Kiwi skipper said adapting to the conditions will be a key to get success in the global event and he hopes the Black Caps can do the same and gain some momentum early.
Williamson added, “We saw in last year’s IPL in the UAE that surfaces can change over the course of a tournament, and seam bowling, as well as spin, can work in the conditions. Tournament play is unique and hopefully, we can adapt to what’s in front of us and try and gain some momentum.”
He is very excited for T20 World Cup 2021 as it will be finally beginning a year after its original scheduling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kane signed off by saying, “After so much disruption to world sport due to the pandemic it feels like there’s a lot of excitement about this T20 World Cup.”
(With IANS Inputs)
