New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell said the Black Caps are relying on their recent experience in India to prepare for the T20 World Cup semifinal against South Africa at Eden Gardens, emphasizing focus on small moments and trusting their preparation for a historic opportunity
Daryl Mitchell. Pic/AFP
New Zealand don't make things bigger than they are, said Daryl Mitchell on Monday, adding that the Kiwis will rely on their recent experience of playing in India for the T20 World Cup semifinal. New Zealand will take on the last edition's runners-up South Africa in the first semifinal to be played at the Eden Gardens here on Wednesday, and Mitchell said the Kiwis have complete clarity over how they want to operate.
"We're pretty clear how we want to operate as Black Caps and that's both on and off the field. We don't make things bigger than what they are, but we're also very excited to be in this position and know how lucky we are to be here in a semifinal," Mitchell told New Zealand Cricket.
"Just looking forward to getting stuck into the contest, trying to win little moments is something that we constantly speak about and hopefully that means we're heading off to a final in a few days' time," Mitchell said. New Zealand have been in India since the start of the year having played a three-match ODI and a five-match T20I series across various venues in the build-up to the showpiece. Mitchell said New Zealand will look to bank on that experience.
"We've spent a bit of time here in India in the last two months and I guess we know what conditions we'll be coming up with," said Mitchell as the Kiwis returned from Sri Lanka after playing a few games in the island nation. "It'll be different to what we've experienced in the last fortnight in Sri Lanka. But also I think guys will trust the preparation that we've had over the last few months and just looking forward to getting stuck in."
"I would say the Sri Lankan surfaces were a lot slower and a lot lower and got it quite difficult towards the back end of innings." New Zealand had earlier lost their group stage clash to South Africa by seven wickets. "They've been one of the best teams in the competition for a reason and they are where they are, so we're really excited to take them on. Even here in Kolkata in the semi-final of the World Cup."
"Both teams are doing everything they can to try and move on to the next stage. For me, it's just going to be really cool to get into a full crowd at Eden Gardens. It's always pretty special," Mitchell added. Mitchell said being named the Player-of-the-Month for January after his exploits against India in the ODI series, which New Zealand won 2-1 for a historic result, was a team effort. "It's nice. It's also recognition as a team for the success we've had in the month of January in 2026, (as) the ODI India series (victory) was historic for us as a country having never done that before," Mitchell said.
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