T20 World Cup: Kane Williamson heartbroken as New Zealand stumble in the final

Kane Williamson's impressive knock of 85 from 48 balls went in vain as Australia chased down the target of 173 with 7 balls to spare.

New Zealand 2022: (Pic credit Twitter/@T20WorldCup)
By Sreejith C R | Nov 16, 2021 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson once again ended up on the losing side after stumbling in the final of the T20 World Cup 2021. Although the 31-year-old batsman held his composure as usual, the calm and collected skipper conceded that the defeat to Australia hurt a bit.  Williamson said there were high hopes going into their third straight ICC tournament final, but it wasn’t their day. Australia played some powerful cricket to defeat New Zealand by 8-wickets in the final.

The Black Caps were sent in to bat first and posted an impressive total of 172 for 4 in 20 overs courtesy of Williamson’s 48 ball 85. But it went in vain as Australia chased down the record target with 7 balls to spare in the T20 World Cup final in Dubai on Sunday.

New Zealand started the tournament with a defeat against Pakistan but bounced back strongly to thrash India in their second game and then went on to qualify for the semi-finals as runner-ups from Group 2. The Black Caps were like a well oiled machine, their openers were giving them good starts, pacers were picking up wickets, spinners were disciplined and finishers firing in all cylinders.

In the final, New Zealand didn’t have a great start as they lost Daryl Mitchell early and posed just 57-1 in first 10 overs. However Williamson played a captain’s knock that included 10 fours and 3 maximum’s to help his team to post the highest target ever in a T20 World Cup final.

However, the Australian batsman David Warner and Mitchell Marsh played an aggressive knock to chase down the target with ease. Although Trent Boult dismissed Aaron Finch for early 5, Warner scored 53 off 38 balls. Marsh remained unbeaten on 77 from 50 balls to help his team lift their maiden T20 World Title.

We’re feeling a bit: Williamson

“Wasn’t to be today, but proud of how we’ve operated. Guys committed to what we tried to do in venues that varied a lot. There was a lot of heart shown, always nice to get to the big dance. But credit to Australia again. Some high hopes coming in, some good cricket played, so we’re feeling it a bit. There are only two possible outcomes, shame we couldn’t get the job done,” Williamson said.

As expected, Williamson was composed and gracious in defeat as went on to credit Australia for a remarkable campaign at the T20 World Cup.

“We were trying to get a platform, the surface was holding a fraction. Nice to build some partnerships and get what we thought was a competitive total, only to be chased superbly. They’re a fantastic side, had a brilliant campaign and came out and turned it on.

“You never really know, at halfway we made every effort to get a good total. We weren’t far away. Credit to the way Australia chased it, they didn’t give us an inch,” he added.

After having ended on the wrong side of the T20 World Cup final, New Zealand will head to India where they will play 3 T20Is and 2 Tests from November 17.





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