New Zealand OK with ‘Underdogs’ tag before S/F, says Kane Williamson

India became the first team to participate in the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup, while New Zealand became the fourth side to reach the knockouts.

Mumbai: New Zealand have no qualms about carrying the tag of ‘underdogs’ ahead of their 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final against India, captain Kane Williamson said on Tuesday. New Zealand, who finished fourth after the competition phase, will take on the Men in Blue in an ODI World Cup semi-final for the second time in a row. Last time, the Kiwis broke Indian hearts in Manchester, in then Indian captain MS Dhoni’s last international match.

India are considered the favorites against New Zealand, who were the last to book their semi-final, while India were the first team in the last four. South Africa will take on Australia in the second semi-final in Calcutta on Thursday. India are undefeated in the World Cup so far, winning all their nine matches in the competitive round and are the only team to do so.

“The underdog thing – from what you’re writing I don’t think it’s changed too much, but that’s fine, you know, and India have been exceptional,” Williamson told the media on the eve of the World Cup semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium. .

However, the New Zealand captain said the semi-finals would level all sides and the Kiwis have the same chance as their opponents. “(India is) one of, if not the best, teams going around and playing cricket to match that, but we know equally well that on our day when we play our best cricket, it certainly gives us the best chances, and that anything can happen. ,” he said.

The Black Caps captain, who had to deal with his knee injury during the ongoing tournament, praised the hosts for creating balance despite losing their lone all-rounder Pandya midway through the league phase.

“Every team has a slightly different balance that they rely on, and of course with Hardik’s injury – it meant their balance changed a little bit, but it certainly didn’t change the outcome of what they did,” said Williamson, who played in five of the nine league matches.

“They (India) have adapted well, and you know our team tends, or at least has done so in the past, to play with a slightly different balance. When you compete in tournaments as well, it’s the guys who are nice and comfortable with the roles they have, whether that’s with the ball or with the bat, and it all happens quite quickly, so you try to make sure you builds on that. performance as a team,” he says.

“(India) has done better than anyone in this competition so far. In that regard, I think we have also done good things,” he added.