T20 World Cup 2021: Tymal Mills Was A 'Huge Miss' For England In Semi-Final Loss To New Zealand, Feels Kevin Pietersen

Kevin Pietersen believes that the absence of Tymal Mills was a “huge” miss for England as they failed to defend 57 off the last four overs – which New Zealand scored with an over to spare – in the semi-final.

Chris Jordan conceded 23 in the 17th over, Adil Rashid conceded 14 in the 18th, and Chris Woakes leaked 20 in the 19th as James Neesham, and Daryl Mitchell stormed the Kiwis in the final.

Kevin Pietersen reckons that the death bowling of Mills, who was ruled out due to an injury during the Super 12 stage, was missed by England. The left-arm pacer had picked 5 of his 7 wickets in the death overs this tournament at an economy of 9.

“Having played as many games of T20 cricket as I have and then as a batter until I became captain I almost started to realise how much pressure these bowlers feel,” Kevin Pietersen told Sky Sports.

“At the back of their run up it doesn’t matter if it’s the first over or the 20th over, if they bowl three real good deliveries they’re starting to think: ‘Do I need a change up? What do I need to bowl? What kind of delivery do I need to bowl?’,” he added.

“That’s why I think the miss of Mills is huge. When we won the T20 World Cup in 2010 Sidebottom for us was just something phenomenal. Left arm seam, top of the stumps, that angle that you need to manufacture from in and around your hip area.

“You don’t have the freedom to swing through the line of the ball or to line him up. So I think that was just a big miss. No Mills, no game.”

Kevin Pietersen speaks about Chris Jordan’s 23-run over

Kevin Pietersen believes that the game was in England’s pocket until the 16th over of New Zealand’s innings. However, Neesham turned the tide smashing Jordan for 2 sixes and a four – Jordan also bowled a couple of wides, mounting the pressure on himself – and after which it was all New Zealand.

Kevin Pietersen has defended Jordan’s 23-run over, saying that he was at the end of some terrific power-hitting from Neesham.

“These things happen in T20 cricket. These things can happen. It was almost done for England and then Neesham does what he does. What can you do?”

“Chris Jordan is a fabulous cricketer and a great guy. We know how well he trains, we know how much he’s liked. He’s a brilliant professional who you know was doing his best.

“But tonight, Neesham got him. It is what it is. What can you do? He may not have bowled well but the pressure exerted on him by Neesham got the job done for New Zealand,” the commentator explained.

The second semi-final is to take place in Dubai on Thursday between Pakistan and Australia. The final is scheduled for Sunday in Dubai.

Also Read: ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Brian Lara Predicts Pakistan To Win Against Australia In Semi-Final