New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell expressed no surprise at India's aggressive style of play in the World Cup semifinals. He credited the seamers for their impactful performance with the ball following his determined effort, which kept New Zealand in the challenging run chase.
India's captain, Rohit Sharma, set the tone with a quick 29-ball 47. Virat Kohli then went on to score his record 50th ODI century with a knock of 117. Shreyas Iyer contributed 105 runs from 70 balls, and Shubman Gill added an unbeaten 80, propelling India to a formidable total of 397/4.
This marked the highest score by any team in the semifinals of World Cup contests. In response, New Zealand fell short, posting 327, with Mitchell leading the charge with his score of 134.
"That is the way they have played throughout the World Cup," Mitchell told reporters after New Zealand’s loss.
"(India are) pretty true to what they have been doing. No surprises there, we had plans to try and combat it but credit where credit is due, they played pretty well.
"Disappointed to not get across the line. (At the) halfway mark I was hoping it would dew up a little bit and we might be able to chase it down with 10 overs left. But credit to India. To make almost 400 and bowl the way they did, credit to them." Mitchell said India pacers notably Mohammed Shami, who secured an impressive 7 for 57, making his World Cup wickets total reach a peak of 23, effectively utilised the ball.
"All their seamers had the ball talking tonight. And in the first 10 overs have it swinging around and doing some things. They are all world class bowlers and there is a reason they are what they are," he said.
Similar to several other players at this location who experienced cramps in day-night games, Mitchell also had to contend with this issue. At a certain point, New Zealand seemed to pose a genuine threat to India, but the occurrence of quick wickets in the middle, coinciding with his cramps, completely derailed their momentum.
"There were a few things more than cramps that ensured we could not get over the line. Anytime a team puts on a total batting first, you need a lot of things going your way to be able to chase those totals down," said Mitchell.
Having scored 130 at Dharamsala and 134 in Mumbai against what is considered the best bowling attack in this World Cup, Mitchell will leave with the distinction of asserting dominance over the home team's bowlers.
"It is always pleasing to be able to contribute to the team and help try and win us games of cricket. To be able to do it against India is obviously special. These are the moments in your career that you try to get up for. There are days when you have good days and bad days,” he said.
Mitchell secured the fourth position in the list of highest run-scorers in the World Cup, accumulating 552 runs in 10 matches at an average of 69. He achieved this feat by scoring two centuries and as many fifties during the tournament.
"I try and contribute to win games of cricket. You guys can judge my numbers and work out where that sits among all players. I just love playing for New Zealand and love getting stuck in,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell also commended the young Rachin, who made an impressive start to his career by scoring 578 runs in 10 matches, featuring three centuries and two fifties.
"He has obviously done very well and we are very proud to see him do that,” Mitchell said.
“I always knew he had a tournament like this in him and I am sure he is going to play a major role for NZ in the years to come and am really excited for him. He is a good man first and foremost.”
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