‘It’s important that we…’: Kane Williamson wants New Zealand to learn from India defeat

Williamson wants his team to learn from India defeat

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson believes that his team must take lessons from their defeat to India in the group stages ahead of their meeting in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday.

New Zealand won comfortably over South Africa in the semi-finals by 50 runs, cruising their way to the final. Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson scored twin centuries as the Black Caps posted a humongous total of 362/6 in 50 overs.

In reply, South Africa fought well but got restricted to 312/9 in 50 overs as David Miller’s unbeaten century went in vain. Skipper Mitchell Santner was the star of the show for the Kiwis in the bowling department with his figures of 3/43.

Williamson hoped the 44-run loss to India in Dubai last Sunday would allow them to iron out past mistakes.

“India are an outstanding team and playing really well. So, look, it’s important we try and take away some learnings from that last game. Park this match, and in a final, anything can happen. And it was a great atmosphere last game and I’m sure it’ll be a good one again,” Williamson said.

The New Zealand captain also admitted that the conditions in Dubai, where the final will be played are very different to the conditions in Pakistan.

“The conditions are different, so it’s important that we try and take away some of those positives and be nice and clear in how we’re trying to operate come the final,” Williamson said ahead of the final.