After the comfortable win against PNG, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson reflected on a T20 World Cup campaign which ended even before it was about to take flight. Two defeats in their first two games, having not played much cricket in the lead-up to the tournament had all but knocked out the side before Afghanistan beat PNG, confirming Kiwis’ fate. New Zealand were the last to kickstart their World Cup campaign as they played their first game after a few others had played a couple of them.
“It took a long time to start, and then in a matter of days, we were sort of not in contention, which was frustrating. We wanted to start the campaign strong, and we weren’t able to do that. We played against a couple of very strong sides who are very well equipped in these conditions and unfortunately it was the difference in our first two games and then some decent cricket in the last two, so all in all frustrating.
“The reality is that on these wickets 90, maybe 100 can be winning totals, and so T20 batting needs to look a certain way and then if you get a match up then you can get an above par total perhaps. But it’s been really unique, a unique experience for all the guys. We always love coming to the Caribbean, it’s a fantastic place to be. The conditions have been challenging I think for batters all around, but it’s just about trying to find a way.”
T20 is deemed a batter’s game but this tournament has seen only three 200-plus scores, highlighting the struggles the batters have faced, especially with most of them having featured on terrific batting tracks in the IPL. He spoke about the pitches being challenging in the West Indies and how the conditions were different from what they had experienced on previous tours.
“Naturally the scores are quite low. Rhythm to batting doesn’t really exist on these wickets. It’s trying to find a method that might allow you to get competitive totals and that’s quite different I think to other surfaces that are slightly more even, but that’s the challenge that’s in front of you and both teams have that. It’s a very different style of cricket but it’s trying to learn that as quickly as possible, and in a short tournament, that’s quite challenging.”
“I mean, we knew that we would be experiencing some challenging conditions. I think the up and down nature is quite difficult to prepare for. But at the same time, like I say, it’s not about doing it perfectly, it’s about trying to find a method and we weren’t able to do that as well as we would have liked in the first couple of games.”
Meanwhile, for New Zealand’s ace fast bowler Trent Boult, the game against PNG was his last in the format for the Kiwis. Having played with Boult at the youth level from 10 to 11 years old, the skipper was cognizant of his contribution to the team over the years and how he would be an inspiration for the youngsters coming through the ranks.
“What he’s been able to do in the game, not just for New Zealand but really recognition from all around the world, a skill set, a strong desire to keep getting better and at this stage of his career. He’s always brought a great energy, a real willingness to compete, and a big player for us that’s difficult to replace.
“I think when somebody puts the time that he has and the effort he’s put into his country, it paves the way for new players to come through and see a standard that’s been set and I think he can be really proud of that.”
