NZ vs SL, World Cup 2023: Can’t management climate, our focus is on cricket, says Williamson

The rain prediction for the essential New Zealand-Sri Lanka match right here on Thursday doesn’t faze New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson.

“We can’t control the weather. There may be a thought in the back of your mind, but at the end of the day, our focus is on the cricket,” Williamson stated in a press convention right here on Wednesday.

Williamson described Glenn Maxwell’s masterclass knock in opposition to Afghanistan on Tuesday as an “incredibly special knock”.

READ | New Zealand eyes win over Sri Lanka amid rain scare to remain alive in semifinal race

“It was an incredibly special knock. Not just the runs, but the situation, as he was clearly struggling physically.. To be able to pull that off, and in a partnership with Pat Cummins is without a doubt one of the great World Cup victories,” Williamson stated.

“At the same time, it was a tough one for Afghanistan. They’ve been excellent, and they probably won 80 to 90 percent of that game. In white ball cricket, things can change quickly,” he added.

Sri Lanka assistant coach Naveed Nawaz said that the facet is eager to complete within the top-eight as a way to qualify for the Champions Trophy 2025. “This is a crucial game. The Champions Trophy scenario says we need to win it. Our preparation was like any other game. Everyone is very positive,” Nawaz stated.