Group defeats no bother to Williamson as New Zealand prepare for the final
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson insisted the fact his side lost to potential Cricket World Cup final opponents Australia and England earlier in the tournament would have no bearing on Sunday’s showpiece match at Lord’s.
The Black Caps, who only reached the last four on net run-rate, beat group table-toppers India by 18 runs in a dramatic semi-final at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
And after what New Zealand media dubbed “The Manchester Miracle”, the understated Williamson insisted the 2015 runners-up had every chance of going one better and winning their first World Cup title.
Williamson is confident despite an 86-run defeat by Australia – the team that beat New Zealand in the final four years ago – and a 119-run loss to England in the initial 10-team group stage.
“Every game throughout the round-robin was worth a couple of points so they were all important,” Williamson said.
“Obviously a semi-final is worth a few more than two points. But we’ll go into another match and try to implement similar things that are important to our side, that gives us the best chance of success.
“But we turn up on the day and anybody can beat anybody. It’s important that feet are on the ground and we look forward to that challenge.”
Asked what this win would mean for cricket in New Zealand, where rugby union’s world champions, All Blacks, dominate the sporting scene, Williamson said: “I don’t think it will change the No 1 sport.
“I’m sure people back home are pretty excited and, you know, another great opportunity to play in a World Cup final.
“Only every four years do you get the opportunity to play in a World Cup, let alone make a final,” added Williamson, as wives and girlfriends of the squad, many clad in replica shirts, together with some of the players’ children, mingled on the outfield at Old Trafford.
“But at the same time, we just want to reflect on the good things we did in this match and the things we want to improve on.”