New Zealand captain Kane Williamson on Saturday said the team has “exciting talent” as they bid for the first Twenty20 World Cup title after suffering an injury to Devon Conway. Tim Seifert is set to take over the wicketkeeping duties in the final against Australia in Dubai on Sunday. Conway, who broke his arm after punching his bat in anger after being dismissed in the semi-final win over England, was the second blow after the Kiwis lost to Lockie Ferguson before their opening match in the tournament.
Conway scored 129 runs in this event at an average of just 32. Importantly, his ability behind the stumps allowed the Kiwis to draft in an extra bowler after a group loss to Pakistan.
“There’s a good mix of youth and experience here, and some of these young players who keep coming are really exciting talents,” Williamson told reporters.
“Obviously Devon’s loss is huge. He’s been a big part of us all formats. It’s disappointing and really strange.
“But for us, it’s our focus on the task at hand, and all the players are really excited by the opportunity to go out tomorrow, and try to improve and accommodate what will be new, which is a different opposition and a different venue.” Is. “
New Zealand have been the team to beat in recent times after finishing runners-up in the 2019 50-over World Cup and securing the inaugural Test Championship in June this year.
Both New Zealand and Australia have never won the T20 World Cup and the Kiwis will play their first final in the tournament.
“It will be some achievement,” Williamson said on the prospect of winning two world trophies in the same year.
“But you know, that’s where the game of cricket stands at the moment, and for us, it’s focusing on that and focusing on our cricket and going out there and implementing those things. that are important to us.”
The Trans-Tasman rivals have a rich history of exciting competitions and their title struggle brings back memories of the 2015 ODI World Cup final in Melbourne when Australia defeated New Zealand.
Williamson said of the rivalry, “I think we’re kind of neighbors, it also breeds to some degree in many different sports.”
“So it’s always a great competition, great opportunity, when we play each other. So I think both teams are really excited about that prospect tomorrow.”
New Zealand have relied on their new-ball attack from Tim Southee and Trent Boult to trouble their opponents in the tournament.
But Williamson was asked about his team’s preparations to deal with Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who has 12 wickets to his name.
“For us, we want to bring our focus to the cricket we want to play and make sure that’s the most important thing,” he said.
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“And you know, go out there and enjoy the opportunity and take it in your own style.”
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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