Tim Paine apologises to New Zealand for picking India to win World Test Championship final

Tim Paine apologises on New Zealand radio after having got his prediction wrong for the World Test Championship final.

Published : Jun 26, 2021 08:52 IST

Tim Paine...“We all get some wrong.” - GETTY IMAGES (FILE)
Tim Paine...“We all get some wrong.” - GETTY IMAGES (FILE)
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Tim Paine...“We all get some wrong.” - GETTY IMAGES (FILE)

Australia captain Tim Paine has apologised to New Zealand cricket fans for predicting India would “comfortably” beat New Zealand in the World Test Championship final. New Zealand won by eight wickets , claiming the inaugural trophy and USD 1.6 million prize money.

Paine told Australian media before the match in Southampton, England, that India “will win pretty comfortably if they play anywhere near their best.”

He said he based his assessment on New Zealand’s series win over an under-strength England before the final. On Friday, Paine went on New Zealand radio to directly apologise to Kiwi fans.

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“We all get some wrong,” Paine said on  Newstalk ZB . “I copped a bit from the Kiwi fans so I thought I’d come on air and eat some humble pie. I thought the New Zealanders played outstandingly. It’s always a pleasure to watch the way they go about it.

“For such a small nation — I’m from Tasmania which is obviously our smallest resource state and we punch above our weight — so I certainly respect what the Kiwis do on an international stage.”

Paine previously faced ribbing on social media from fans around the world, especially New Zealand and India.

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