NEW DELHI: After breaking a four-match losing streak against Sri Lanka in their last round-robin clash, New Zealand's paceman Lockie Ferguson expressed confidence as they likely head into a World Cup semi-final against India. The crushing five-wicket victory on Thursday has positioned the Black Caps well, with Pakistan and Afghanistan now requiring miraculous wins to displace them from the semi-finals.
"We've had some tight games and some tight losses over the last few weeks, but certainly within the camp, there's a lot of confidence in the type of cricket we play," stated Ferguson after the match.
"We know that if we play the way we want to play, we'll come out on the right side of the draw. We'll see what happens in the last few games... hopefully, we'll have a couple more pushes."
Ferguson, who missed two of New Zealand's previous defeats due to an Achilles injury, made a fiery return with figures of 2-35 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The bowlers played a crucial role in restricting Sri Lanka to 171, with Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Mitch Santner, and Rachin Ravindra contributing to the comprehensive bowling performance.
"Throughout the World Cup, the bowling attacks that have done well have passed the baton to the next bowler," added Ferguson. "The more you build the pressure, eventually something will happen, and today, we got some treats for some really good bowling."
New Zealand edge closer to semifinal with clinical win over Sri Lanka
Reflecting on New Zealand's journey in the tournament, Ferguson highlighted the importance of building pressure and acknowledged the success of Boult and Southee in taking early wickets.
New Zealand, having reached the final of the last two World Cups and beating India to reach the title-decider in 2019, are on track for another semi-final appearance. Ferguson expressed confidence in his fitness to contribute to the team's success, noting that the injury had been just "niggly" enough to affect his bowling quota in previous matches but that hard work in the gym had paid off.
"Stoked to get out there and get through 10 overs today and get a couple of treats as well," concluded the 32-year-old paceman.
The confirmation of New Zealand's place in the semi-finals for the fourth straight World Cup is likely, setting the stage for an exciting clash against India.
(With inputs from Reuters)The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the ...
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