Afghanistan’s win over Papua New Guinea on Friday marked the end of road for Kane Williamson’s New Zealand in the T20 World Cup. New Zealand bowed out of the tournament courtesy of two losses against Afghanistan and West Indies respectively. This is the first time New Zealand have failed to cross the barrier of group stage in T20 World Cup. The team had reached at least the semi finals in each of the last three occasions.
Kiwis pay price for lost against AFG, WI
New Zealand had a torrid start to their T20 World Cup campaign when they lost by 84 runs against Afghanistan in their opening match. Chasing 160, Kane Williamson’s team were bowled out for 75 by Rashid Khan and co.
In their must-win match against West Indies, New Zealand failed to display the winning mentality. In reply to West Indies’ 149, the Kiwis fell 13 run short, virtually knocking themselves out of T20 World Cup.
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Williamson accepts failure
“Conditions here are what they are and we can’t make excuses. We need to keep getting better and keep finding a way, 10-15 runs that can make a big difference. We need to bounce back quickly, we are back in two days, we need to be smarter. The learnings are important and we need to pick ourselves up and go again,” New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said after the match against West Indies.
It remains to be seen which way New Zealand cricket go from here onwards. A performance like this must call for changes.