ICC World Cup 2019 | Virat Kohli’s team is capable of winning matches, says Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson is well aware that Virat Kohli and the rest of the Indian squad possess the talent to win any match as the former prepares himself to lead New Zealand at this year’s World Cup. Williamson further opined that there will be many contenders for the World Cup trophy this year.
New Zealand enjoyed a brilliant outing against India in their first warm-up game ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019 on Saturday. The Kiwis registered a comfortable six-wicket win against Virat Kohli’s men whose batting line-up was thoroughly outplayed in English conditions courtesy to Trent Boult's brilliance.
However, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is adamant that Kohli & Co. will definitely be one of the prime contenders for the World Cup trophy in the coming weeks due to the immense talent in their 15-man squad.
"Virat's team is also capable of winning major matches. They also have a very balanced side. They are equipped in all the departments. I think they will also do well. There will be real tough competition in the two semifinal matches," Williamson said in a recent interview with TOI.
Williamson, who has represented NZ in 139 ODI matches thus far scoring 5554 runs, added that despite England and Australia’s recent dominance in ODI cricket, no team will have it easy in this year’s edition of the World Cup.
"England will be playing at home and they have a very good side. That does not mean they can win easily. They will have to fight it out. I firmly believe even if they have a solid team, they will have to perform like other contenders. It will not be a cakewalk at all for any team. Australia are a very good side. We lost to them four years ago in the final in Melbourne. Traditionally a New Zealand-Australia match always creates a lot of enthusiasm among the countrymen of these two countries. It will not be an exception this time in England.
"They are all good sides. I can visualize a tough fight from Afghanistan and Bangladesh. We should not rule out the West Indies. They have got real power hitters. The big teams will all be alert against them as well," Williamson added.