Williamson: Fortunate to be playing on similar wickets

New Zealand skipper Williamson reckoned the 140 his team posted was a tough target on the HPCA wicket.

Published : Mar 18, 2016 22:53 IST , Dharamsala

Kane Williamson (right) reckoned that the wicket at the HPCA stadium was similar to that of Nagpur.
Kane Williamson (right) reckoned that the wicket at the HPCA stadium was similar to that of Nagpur.
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Kane Williamson (right) reckoned that the wicket at the HPCA stadium was similar to that of Nagpur.

A modest New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson today said his team was “fortunate” to be playing on similar wickets after pulling off a dramatic victory over Australia in the ICC World Twenty20, here today.

The Kiwis produced yet another sublime bowling performance to win its second successive game, beating Australia by eight runs.

“We were fortunate to play on two wickets so similar,” said Williamson referring to the Kiwis’ win over host India in the tournament opener at Nagpur.

New Zealand bowled well to stop Australia at 134 for nine after making 142 for eight at the scenic HPCA Stadium. The highlight of the Kiwi innings was a 27-ball 39 by opener Martin Guptill.

Asked about the secret behind New Zealand’s ability to defend low totals in successive games, Williamson said, “We adopted similar tactics. On some of these surfaces it’s (chasing 140+) a pretty tough total to chase.”

Australia captain Steve Smith praised the New Zealand spinners for the turnaround after Australia was sitting pretty at one stage.

“I thought 150 was par. (But) their spinners bowled extremely well and we didn’t respond well; we lost wickets in clumps and couldn’t get any partnerships together,” Smith said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Man of the Match Mitchell McClenaghan, who returned with impressive figures of three for 17, said they were already looking forward to the next game.

“Nice to perform like that but it was as a collective effort. The spinners were fantastic and got us back in the game. It’s nice to show some teams we can play in these conditions. There still 2 more games (though).”

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