Captain Kane Williamson is hoping that his bowling attack can reproduce the magic of their World Cup semifinal against India in Sunday’s final at Lord’s.
After New Zealand set them a modest target of 240 to win, India were reduced to 24/4.
Matt Henry did the damage with three of the early wickets while left-armer. Trent Boult also bowled superbly, keeping the pressure and picking up the vital wicket of India skipper Virat Kohli.
"All in all, we were totally outplayed to be honest all throughout the day." #AUSvENG #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/PabTcjMZJX
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 12, 2019
India were eventually bowled out for 221, with Williamson saying: “With the new ball, our bowlers tried to move the ball off the seam or in the air.
“We knew we need to put pressure on that world class batting line-up of India
“It was a great start from the bowlers, we knew it would get tougher for us as the innings went on. We showed plenty of heart and the fielders and bowlers were outstanding.
“We came through in the fourth position, which is fine.
ADVANTAGE: Dejected Virat Kohli. Photo: Lee Smith/Reuters.
“And then we put out a much-improved performance in the semifinal and it is important for us to try and make small improvements moving into our next match.”
His opposite number Kohli, meanwhile, wasn’t as pleased, saying: “You finish number one in the table, and then a spell of bad cricket and you’re out."