'Didn't quite pay off': Kane Williamson admits that his ploy against West Indies flopped

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson conceded that his strategic gamble didn't yield the desired results against the West Indies. Speaking in the post-match press conference, Williamson reflected on the decision to use up the pacers early in the game, which ultimately fell short of expectations.

"I think whatever overs that they (Mitchell and Santner) did bowl were going to be targeted. So, that's the sort of the margins that you're always dealing with," Kane Williamson explained. The Kiwi skipper acknowledged the fine balance teams must maintain in T20 cricket, especially when opposing lineups bat deep.

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"I think, in T20 cricket nowadays with teams that are batting a lot deeper…you're always trying to sort of play that game of cat and mouse, I suppose," he lamented. Kane Williamson justified the tactic, “So, for us to try and take that wicket and try and have the opportunity to sort of restrict them in that 120 region, I think it (using up the pacers early) was worth doing but didn't quite pay off.”

"From 90/7, to get to 150 was a fantastic effort and incredibly smart and calculated batting from Rutherford," Kane Williamson admitted, praising the opposition. Sherfane Rutherford's resilient performance turned the tide, ensuring a competitive total on a challenging wicket.

"To put a contribution like that up on that surface was world-class and really got them a strong total on that wicket," Kane Williamson concluded, acknowledging the West Indies' commendable recovery and strong finish.

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New Zealand's World Cup campaign is all but over

New Zealand are now bottom of the Group C without a point from two matches, and their net run rate is -2.42.

They will have to beat Uganda and Papua New Guinea to retain even the mathematical chances to enter the Super Eight.

But even that might not be enough because if Afghanistan, who have now four points, beat PNG on Friday then it will be curtains for the Kiwis regardless of the result of their next two matches.

West Indies have already qualified for the Super Eight from this group.

Williamson summed up the helpless state of his side.

"We know that it's going to be a real scrap. It's not going to be easy but if you win some small moments, matchups go your way then that can be a defining element to your whole tournament. It hasn't happened for us which is frustrating," he added.

(With PTI inputs)