© PTI
Highlights
Kolkata: After registering a comprehensive 75-run win over Bangladesh, Ross Taylor said that the New Zealand team is not leaving the city without watching the virtual quarterfinals, which could be the “game of the tournament”. (India vs Australia, ICC World T20: How Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s Team Has Dominated Aussies)
“It’s going to be a great game, probably the game of the tournament. Theoretically, it’s the quarterfinal. We are not leaving Kolkata tomorrow. I will be in my room watching it. Hopefully, the best team wins,” Taylor said.
Having remained unbeaten so far in Super 10 stage, New Zealand entered the WT20 semi-final as table toppers from group 2 and now the game between Australia and India in Mohali will decide the second semi-finalist from this group. (World T20: Virat Kohli Says He Can Perform Even Without Provocations Against Australia)
New Zealand will travel to New Delhi for their semi-final on March 30 and will face Group 1 runners-up.
“T20 is a very fickle game. All it takes is a world class batsman to take it away from you. The bowlers have done a pretty good job the way things have gone for us so far. We got to enjoy the success of everybody. Every bowler has played their part,” Taylor, who scored a quickfire 28 off 24 balls, said.
He said the iconic Martin Crowe, who passed away recently, played a massive role in his career.
“He had a big impact on my career. After the tournament I’m sure we will think about him more. We’re taking game by game. I’m sure looking down enjoying the way we have played so far,” said the 32-year-old.
The veteran cricketer insisted that the team showed tremendous character to fill the void left by Brendon McCullum.
“It’s probably a coincidence that (we made successive knockouts in world tournaments). Over the last few years, we have got some pretty good teeth in our cricket. Losing Brendon is a big thing at the top of the order but shows you the depth the New Zealand side have at the moment.
“Whoever XI go out there in the middle, we are very comfortable in our roles and confident of doing the job for the team. The team’s very happy,” he said.
Source: NDTV