The controversy surrounding the pitch change before the Cricket World Cup 2023 semi-final between India and New Zealand has caused a stir in the cricketing world. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been accused of altering the pitch at the last moment to give India an advantage. However, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson dismissed these claims during the post-match press conference.
Williamson acknowledged that the pitch was indeed used, but he emphasized that it was a good surface to play on, and therefore, New Zealand had no objections. He mentioned that India had taken full advantage of the conditions in the first half of the match. He also noted that conditions change as the match progresses under lights, which is a common occurrence in the tournament. Despite the disappointment of not advancing further, Williamson stated that it was important to reflect on the team’s performance throughout the seven weeks rather than focus on a few small moments. He admitted that India was the better side on the day.
The New Zealand skipper also praised India, calling them the best team in the world. He acknowledged their exceptional performance throughout the tournament and their ability to handle failures. Williamson expressed confidence that India would enter the final with a positive mindset, given their consistent and impressive performance.
The controversy surrounding the pitch change has stirred up discussions in the cricketing world. However, Williamson’s response in the press conference downplayed the issue, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the overall performance and acknowledging India’s superiority in the match.
