Opener Daryl Mitchell was obviously excited after emerging as the player-of-the-match in New Zealand’s memorable win against England in the ICC T20 World Cup semifinal on Wednesday.
“Obviously any game you win for your country is pretty special, let alone a World Cup semifinal,” Mitchell said. “It was nice to contribute and help us get over the line, but we know we have got another big one coming up in a couple of days’ time. We are pretty excited about it.”
Mitchell singled out all-rounder James Neesham for swinging the game in the Black Caps’ favour.
“The way Jimmy came out and struck the ball pretty much from ball one was special. It got us some momentum in the last few overs,” he said. “We always knew the rate was pretty high at that stage. His knock was vital in scripting the win.”
Devastated
England captain Eoin Morgan, despite admitting that the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, complimented Neesham for his cameo.
“We are devastated. To be on the wrong side of a close game is not easy to take. We fought unbelievably well today on a wicket that didn’t necessarily suit our batting, but we managed to post a par score. We were brilliant with the ball,” Morgan said.
“We were right in the game, if not ahead of the game, until Jimmy Neesham came to the wicket.
“I think throughout those innings, everybody struggled to clear the ropes. I feel that it was just the nature of the pitch. You have to take your hat off to Neesham. He played really well."