Bengaluru, Nov 10: New Zealand further cemented their position in fourth place with a confident five-wicket against Sri Lanka in ODI 41 of the ongoing 2023 World Cup, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Thursday. Chasing 172, New Zealand reached 172/5 in 23.2 overs.
Kane Williamson, New Zealand captain, said, Really good performance. Early wickets and spin was a challenge through those middle overs. Pitch really slowed down later. The guys showed some good intent later with the chase so great performance overall. We thought there was going to be some weather later but there wasn’t any. Hard to read such things. Glad we were able to pick up wickets, people like Perera can take the game away from you. Always great getting our 5th and 6th spinners into the game, a great effort overall. Few teams can end up on the same points, it’s about control. Hopefully we can get a couple of days off, we’ll be hanging around, not really sure what we’ll do. Hopefully if things go our way, would be great to involved in a semi. Will be looking forward to the challenge.
Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka captain, said, We lost 4 wickets in first 10 overs and that’s what got us into trouble. We could have easily gotten 300 on this pitch. Madushanka bowled really well but it was tough to take wickets because we were defending a small total. Quite enjoyed captaincy, disappointed about my own performance but overall it was enjoyable. Very happy to see players putting their hands up and performing.
Rachin Ravindra said, It’s a pretty surreal feeling. Playing in Bangalore with my extended family is always special and I won’t take for granted when the crowd chants your name. To be compared to the great man (Sachin Tendulkar) is something I never dreamt of. Lucky it all worked out. 6 to 12 months ago I was not in the frame. Accolades and individual things aside, good to be in the playoffs. [on taking the catch that gave Ajaz his 10-fer in that Test] My most nervy moment of my career. I was lucky to catch that, it was all Ajaz’s work. I’m lucky to have come here through my teenage years, experience the practice wickets – helps me a lot. Nice wicket and fast outfields, try to adapt as best I can. Talk to Devon, talk to Kane who have played in the IPL, get golden nuggets from them whenever I can. Still water under the bridge and we will be watching those games. I idolised Kane, idolised a lot of guys in this World Cup, Kohli, Root, Steve Smith and I felt ooh, I’m playing with them. I’m lucky to have that freedom from the guys.