New Zealand’s fast bowler, Lockie Ferguson, hinted at drawing inspiration from their remarkable 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup victory against India as the two teams gear up for a pivotal encounter in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Ferguson, who played a crucial role in the thrilling semi-final that took place over two days due to rain delays, acknowledged the significance of the past but emphasized the evolution of both teams since then.
“Four years ago was a pretty spectacular game. But four years have gone past, we’ve played a lot of cricket in between, and both teams I’m sure are raring to go come Wednesday,” said Ferguson.
Despite the time lapse, the current generation of Kiwi players has continued New Zealand’s impressive record in men’s white-ball competitions.
With their progression to the semi-finals in India, the Black Caps have now reached the final four in five consecutive ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups, showcasing consistent performance in recent years.
Ferguson attributed part of this success to the team’s mindset, stating, “We stick to our processes, and it keeps us level-headed. As Kiwis, we tend to stay where our feet are, which I think is a positive.”
Addressing the absence of injured teammate Matt Henry, Ferguson expressed confidence in the team’s resilience. Tim Southee, the replacement, brings valuable experience and has played extensively in India, adding strength to the squad.
Reflecting on their tournament journey, Ferguson acknowledged the initial challenge posed by India in Dharamsala. He emphasized the importance of managing the “ebbs and flows” of ODI cricket and adapting to the conditions in Mumbai for a competitive performance.
“Of course, with one-day cricket and playing against India, there’s a lot of ebbs and flows. We’ve just got to tighten up as much as we can, adjust to the wicket, and do our best to defend or set a good score,” concluded Ferguson.
The Black Caps are set to face India in what promises to be another gripping encounter, with both teams eager to secure a spot in the final.
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