We Know How Strong This India Team Is, Says Kane Williamson After New Zealand Thrash India
Published - 24 Feb 2020, 08:43 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 06:46 AM
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson was all praise for his team after the thumping ten-wicket win over India in the first Test in Wellington. New Zealand thrashed India to become the first team to get points off the world number one Test in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship.
The Black Caps were on top of the proceedings at the Basin Reserve right from the time Kane Williamson won the toss and decided to bowl first. New Zealand’s bowlers totally justified their captain’s decision by bowling out India for a paltry total of 165.
The hosts came up with a fine batting display to pile up 348 and effectively push the world number one Test side out of the game by taking a mammoth lead of 183 runs. India came up with a poor display in the second innings too and were all out for just 191.
Starting day four on 144 for 4, still trailing New Zealand by 39 runs, India lost their last six wickets inside 80 minutes. Set a target of just 9 runs, New Zealand chased down the total without losing a wicket to inflict the heaviest defeat on India in terms of wickets under Virat Kohli’s captaincy.
A 10 wicket win at the @BasinReserve to start the series! Tom Blundell hits the winning runs in the team's 100th Test victory. The 20th at the Basin. Scorecard | https://t.co/vWdNIMMIwd #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/yK9285KTFQ
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 24, 2020
Speaking after the game, Kane Williamson called his team’s win outstanding while also stating that India are a strong side. He was all praise for his bowlers’ efforts as well as the batting effort from the lower-order in the first innings which eventually played a big role in the game.
“It was an outstanding effort over a space of 4 days. We know how strong this India team is all over the world. The effort that went into the first innings to get the ball in the right areas for long periods of time did help. With the bat to get what was a very competitive total on a surface which offered something throughout the game was very important,” said Kane Williamson.
“The lower order runs are very important to get some sort of a handy lead. It was brilliant, the wicket. We didn’t know what to expect looking at it the day before. The grass cover did brown off. The bowling attack was brilliant. We were able to get some swing thanks to the ground being windy. Kyle Jamieson has been brilliant throughout the summer with the white ball as well. He contributed in a number of ways. A great debut for him.
“Great experience for him to bowl with a somewhat settled group. Southee came in and wanted to operate as best as he could. The left arm and right arm combination has done it for us and they showed it again especially with the old ball. The passion and the energy they showed was brilliant,” he added.
