WATCH: Kane Williamson reacts on getting out to Virat Kohli ahead of India vs New Zealand 2019 World Cup semi-final match

Dixit Bhargav | 08/07/2019
WATCH: Kane Williamson reacts on getting out to Virat Kohli ahead of India vs New Zealand 2019 World Cup semi-final match

Williamson reacts on getting out to Virat Kohli: New Zealand’s captain was remembered about his dismissal from U-19 Cricket World Cup 2008.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson admits not thinking about playing against India in the semi-final of the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup 2008. In a rain-affected match, India had defeated New Zealand by 3 wickets (D/L Method) to enter the final and eventually win the tournament.

Being asked about the same during the pre-match press conference in Manchester, Williamson considered it a “pretty special” moment for him and India captain Virat Kohli facing each other in a similar situation.

“I hadn’t thought about it. I think it’s kind of cool. Isn’t it? Few years later, we are here again. Perhaps, on a slightly different stage. Pretty special. A lot of respect to be able to lead your country out in a semi-final on the biggest stage. I know both sides are, without a doubt, looking forward to getting into a challenge,” Williamson was quoted as saying.

Williamson reacts on getting out to Virat Kohli

Sharing his first memory of Kohli, Williamson hailed him as a “formidable player” and recalled playing opposite him during age-group cricket. However, Williamson seemed to not remember if Kohli dismissed him during the semi-final match in 2008.

ALSO READ: Head-to-Head | India vs New Zealand | ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

“He [Virat Kohli] was a formidable player. Playing against each other on number of occasions and then go on to international cricket and IPL. It’s been a pleasure watching Virat play and evolve into the superstar that he is.

“[on remembering getting out to Kohli] Oh. Did he? Tell me how [laughs]? He used to be an all-rounder back in the day. Hasn’t bowled as much recently,” Williamson said.

On countering Rohit Sharma

A major challenge for Williamson and his bowlers tomorrow will be to dismiss India vice-captain and highest run-scorer of the tournament Rohit Sharma cheaply. While Williamson lauded Sharma, he also spoke getting early wickets regardless of their names.

“As a bowling unit, first and foremost is assessing conditions. Rohit [Sharma] has been clearly the standout batsman in this tournament. He’s been batting beautifully. As we know, we are coming into a semi-final and both teams will be looking for early wickets regardless of what their names may be. But without a doubt, he’s been superb,” Williamson added.

Watch the full video below:

For more cricket-related news, click here.

Post Edited By: Dixit Bhargav
icc cricket world cup 2019 India Kane Williamson New Zealand Virat Kohli

About the author

Dixit Bhargav

Born and brought up in Pathankot, Dixit Bhargav is an engineering and sports management graduate who works as a Cricket Editor at The SportsRush. Having written more than 10,000 articles across more than five years at TSR, his first cricketing memory dates back to 2002 when former India captain Sourav Ganguly had waved his jersey at the historic Lord’s balcony. What followed for an 8-year-old was an instant adulation for both Ganguly and the sport. The optimist in him is waiting for the day when Punjab Kings will win their maiden Indian Premier League title. When not watching cricket, he is mostly found in a cinema hall watching a Punjabi movie.

Don’t miss these