James Neesham turned out to be the unlikely hero for New Zealand in first semi-final of the T20 World Cup against favourites England. Daryl Mitchell may have been adjudged ‘Man of the Match’ for his match-winning unbeaten 72, but it was Neesham who provided the much-needed boost in the death overs to turn the game on his head. India’s legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar has hailed the Kiwi batter saying that he has done justice to his talent. Gavaskar also said that Neesham has been a player who would play one special inning in about eight or nine months and he played that on the night of the semi-final.
“Neesham has got the ability”
“What an innings, scoring at a strike rate of over 240. He was hitting the ball well. He had a bit of luck with that Jonny Bairstow catch (dropped) which went over the boundary and became a six. But clearly, Neesham has got the ability. He is a big hitter, he can bowl usefully and Kane Williamson showed faith in him by giving him the 20th over of the England innings so yes, it is good to see Jimmy Neesham do justice to his talent,” the little master told India Today.
Neesham the hero
In a closely-fought semi-final game that tilted in England’s favour till the 16th over of Kiwi run chase, Neesham’s innings made a difference in the game. The all-rounder smashed 27 runs in just 11 balls hitting three sixes and a four. It was his explosive innings that shifted the momentum towards New Zealand.
Earlier, England put up a total of 166 with a loss of four wickets in their 20 overs with the likes of Moeen Ali (51) and Dawid Malan (41) scoring well in middle and death overs. New Zealand after an early stumble chased down the target with five wickets in hand and an over to spare.
