Follow UsNew Zealand are in a must-win position against Sri Lanka as they meet them tomorrow, November 8, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. After eight games, they have lost and won four games each, and with eight points, they need two more to better their qualification probability.
When asked in the pre-match press conference about the similarity in their positions in both the World Cups and if the players in the current New Zealand squad would use their experience of the last World Cup, Kane Williamson said,
“I suppose guys have had some of those experiences, but it's another game on another day and four years later. So, the focus is here and now and, on the conditions, and how we want to adjust and the cricket that we want to play. And I think that that is the most important thing.” He went to elaborate further on it, highlighting the importance of each pool game.
“I mean, you have nine pool games. They're all as important as each other. It's very difficult to try and sort of target which game means what it's just every game means something similar. And so, the focus has to come back to us as a team and the cricket that we want to play. So that's what we'll be trying to do as we've been trying to do throughout this competition and try and make those small improvements.”
Apart from their hot and cold performance this World Cup, another issue that has troubled their campaign is the amount of injuries that have occurred in their squad. It started with Captain Kane, whose participation in the showpiece tournament was delayed due to his knee injury. When he finally made his return, a wild throw broke his thumb, and he could make his return to the side only in their last game against Pakistan.
Williamson’s malaise afflicted their bowlers as well as Tim Southee, Matt Henry, and Lockie Ferguson – all have been injured at some point, and Henry is now no more a part of their squad, with Kyle Jamieson called in as his replacement. However, there’s good news for the Kiwis, as Ferguson is finally fit and will strengthen their attack. Captain Williamson was quite chuffed with his return when asked about it during the press conference.
“He balances out our attack nicely and made some really valuable contributions in the tournament so far and brings a bit of experience as well. So, naturally comes in and bowls with that high pace, and it complements our new ball bowlers. So, yeah, we'll have to have a look at the surface and decide on our balance.”
There’s a high probability of rain in Bengaluru tomorrow. When asked about his team’s planning and preparation for that eventuality, Williamson said,
“I mean, for us, it's having a look today, looking at the surface. And for us as a team, it's trying to keep building on the positives that have been there and adjusting to the different conditions that you're faced with, which is part and parcel of playing at a World Cup. So small improvements, that's something we've wanted to do throughout. And there's been some good stuff, so we want to try and build on that going into tomorrow.”
Williamson also praised Rachin Ravindra, who has been in terrific form in the World Cup and is in the third spot on the leading run-getters table with 523 runs in 8 innings. Ravindra also scored a century against Pakistan in Bengaluru itself and will be one of the key batters again for the Kiwis as they play Sri Lanka tomorrow.
“Look, clearly an amazing talent and sort of just entered the side and in the international arena and to walk into a World Cup and not just any World Cup but here in India and in a lot of ways come into a role that perhaps when he's had exposure in our team, he hasn't played in that opening sort of top three, top order spot and do what he's done is amazing. We sort of knew the talent was there, but to come out and repeat and be one of the players of the tournament so far, not only with the bat, but he's also making really valuable contributions with the ball. Yeah, very, very special player and great that he's on our side,” Williamson said.