New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said that he was okay with the underdogs tag that is associated with his team, as they prepare for the ICC World Cup 2023 semi-final match against India in Mumbai on November 16.
New Zealand’s CWC 2023 journey in league stages was a mixed bag as they began by winning their first 4 games and then lost 4 matches in a row. They ultimately qualified for the semis by defeating Sri Lanka in their last league game.
Williamson talked about New Zealand’s chances in the knockout clash against the hosts and also praised India for their performance thus far in the tournament.
"The underdog thing - from what you guys write I do not think it has changed too much, but that is fine you know, and India have been exceptional. (India are) one of the, if not the best team going around and playing cricket that matches that, but we know as well on our day when we play our best cricket, it certainly gives us the best chance, and anything can happen," Williamson told the media in Mumbai.
Williamson praised India for creating the balance despite losing their only all-rounder Pandya midway through the league stage.
"Every team has a slightly different balance that they rely on and naturally with the injury to Hardik - it meant that their balance changed a little bit, but certainly did not change the outcome of what they were doing. They (India) adjusted nicely, and you know our team tends to, or has done in the past anyway, played with a slightly different balance.
When you get into tournaments as well, it is guys being nice and familiar with the roles that they have, whether that is with the ball or with the bat, and it all goes quite quickly so you are trying to make sure you build on those performances as a team," he said.
“(India) have done it better than anybody so far in this competition. As a side, I think we have done some good stuff too," he added.
India and New Zealand had clashed in the semi-final of the 2019 World Cup as well, with Williamson and co. coming out victors.
(PTI inputs)
