Kane Williamson-led New Zealand made it into their maiden T20 World Cup final after their sensational victory over England in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2021 on Wednesday. England had posted the challenging total of 166/4 in 20 overs with the contribution of all-rounder, Moeen Ali (51*) and the number 2 ranked T20I batter, Dawid Malan (41).
In reply, despite the shaky start and losing Martin Guptill and skipper Kane Williamson in the powerplay overs, the Blackcaps pulled off a memorable five-wicket over the English men. The opener, Daryl Mitchell (72*), wicketkeeper-batter, Devon Conway (46) and the late cameo by all-rounder, James Neesham (27) guided the Kiwis in their first T20 World Cup final. Following their terrific performance, cricket fraternity all over the world heaped praise New Zealand cricket team.
“What a brilliant game of cricket. #NewZealand once again winning hearts along with winning the game. Great knock by Mitchell who was well supported by Conway & Neesham. Bairstow’s incident at the ropes reminded me of what happened with Boult in the 2019 finals. Kudos to New Zealand (flag),” Sachin Tendulkar tweeted.
Moreover, his former batting partner, Virender Sehwag termed the semi-final between England and New Zealand as the best game of the World Cup.
“Best game of the World Cup. Wow Daryll Mitchell. Jimmy Neesham the gamechanger. New Zealand simply sensational. Congratulations on reaching the finals NZ #ENGvsNZ,” Sehwag wrote on his Twitter account.
Along with the great former Indian openers, veteran Indian spinner, Harbhajan Singh and former pacer Ajit Agarkar congratulated New Zealanders for making it into the finals.
“Outstanding, class What a win @BLACKCAPS congratulations what a team this is @T20WorldCup #Goodboys,” the off-spinner penned down on Twitter.
“Must be sweet. Congratulations to #NewZealand #T20WorldCup,” Agarkar mentioned on the Twitter handle.
While the former, Indian Test giant, VVS Laxman reckoned Neesham’s story is a life lesson for everyone.
“Jimmy Neesham, was thinking of quitting the game in 2017 and today playing a match defining innings to help New Zealand qualify for the finals. Never give up is the lesson, Sport is a great teacher,” Laxman quoted on Twitter.
Furthermore, former star Indian all-rounder, Irfan Pathan and the former Indian opener, Wasim Jaffer consider New Zealand as a very underrated team.
“New Zealand has 0 super star player and 11 solid team players. Well done #NewZealand,” Pathan mentioned on his Twitter handle.
“Brilliant stuff from @BLACKCAPS They have qualified for the final in all 3 @ICC events: 2019 WC, 2021 WTC, & now #T20WorldCup And please don't call this as NZ punching above their weight etc, it would be a disservice to this team that is as good if not better than most,” Jaffer asserted on Twitter.
New Zealand will now play the final of the T20 World Cup 2021 at Dubai against one of Australia or Pakistan, whoever wins in the second semi-final of the event tonight.
