SKIPPER TARGETS EARLY MOMENTUM

Kane Williamson, after winning the World Test Championship and narrowly missing out on the 50-over World Cup, has now set his plans ready to guide New Zealand to the title in the shortest format.

Speaking to the media in a virtual session, Williamson said: “It is a short tournament and one has hit the ground running early and gain early momentum. We will be playing in three days in different days. So we need to make those adjustments, lots of excitement in the group.”

The shrewd captain has made his notes for the dos and don’ts during his stint with the Sunrisers Hyderabad when he played on the various surfaces at different venues across the UAE in IPL Season 14.

“During the IPL we played on different conditions. It’s varied and something of a challenge for all the teams,” he said. “There are matchwinners throughout, anyone can beat anyone on their day. It’s an exciting prospects for the viewers and we are excited to get involved. There are a number of challenges.”

New Zealand face an uphill task after being grouped with Pakistan, India and Afghanistan in the Super 12 stage. Taking about playing some of the best spinners on spin-friendly wickets, Williamson said: “It is a big challenge.”

He also heaped praise on his Hyderabad teammate Rashid Khan, who is one of the best in the business in the shortest format, as the Black Caps face Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi on November 7.