After two defeats in as many matches and 'Super 8s' qualification hopes in the balance at the ongoing T20 World Cup, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is disappointed, which deepened after his team's defeat against co-hosts West Indies on Thursday (IST time). However, he maintained a positive outlook regarding the future prospects of the team's exceptional talent pool.
After Afghanistan upset New Zealand in their tournament opener, West Indies thrashed Williamson-led side by 13 runs at the Brian Lara Stadium. The defeats have placed New Zealand's 'Super 8s' qualification in a precarious position, as they currently sit at the bottom of Group C with a net run-rate of -2.425.
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Although the team faces a challenging situation, there remains a slim mathematical possibility for them to advance to the next stage. However, this would require a combination of favorable results and other factors to work in their favour.
Expressing his disappointment after the match, Williamson said, "I think if we just look at the two matches to start off... no doubt disappointing. You come to a world event, you want to start well and to be honest, we need to be better in these conditions specifically.
"We know that it's going to be a real scrap and it's not going to be easy. But if you win some small moments, match-ups go your way and that can be a defining element to your whole tournament, really, and it hasn't happened for us, which is frustrating."
New Zealand made adjustments to their lineup for the second match in Providence, following a shaky beginning to their campaign. The team reintroduced Tim Southee, James Neesham and Rachin Ravindra to the playing XI, hoping to improve their performance.
Initially, the changes appeared to be effective, as New Zealand managed to make early breakthroughs against the West Indies batting order. The frontline fast bowlers and Neesham completed their allotted four overs each, leaving Williamson with a difficult decision.
With no other options available, the captain was forced to rely on the part-time bowling of Daryl Mitchell during the crucial death overs. This tactical gamble, however, did not pay off as intended. Sherfane Rutherford capitalized on the opportunity presented to him, showcasing his skills with an impressive unbeaten 68 off just 39 deliveries, ultimately turning the tide of the match in favour of the West Indies.
"We knew that we needed to get Rutherford out and I think the batting depth of the West Indies side really shone through and it was beneficial for them certainly today on that surface. It's going to be scrappy and you know that three balls here or three balls there can really put the score above par and that's what they were able to do," said the Kiwi skipper.
"So, for us to try and take that wicket and try to have the opportunity to restrict them to the 120 region, I think was worth doing and that didn't quite pay off."
