New Zealand vs Uganda. (Source – Getty Images)
Pacers Trent Boult and Tim Southee ran through the batting lineup of the rising East African nation in Match 32 of the ongoing mega cricket showdown T20 World Cup 2024. Newbies Uganda (UGA) locked horns with New Zealand (NZ) in the hope of bowing out of their debut mega event with a consolation win. Fascinatingly, the Blackcaps too were itching to get their name in the win column as they have already been ousted from the mega ICC tournament. Notably, the game took place at the renowned Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad, on Saturday, June 15.
Also Check: Also Check: T20 World Cup 2024 Points Table
Uganda vs New Zealand, Match 32 – Who Said What?
Tim Southee, Player of the Match:
“It was obviously a pretty clinical performance, nice to get a win. (On the pitch) It has been a little tricky, trying to bring the stumps into play as much as possible. Extremely disappointed to play ourselves out of the tournament. You look at the side, plenty of experience and we were not at our best in the first two games. We have a proud record in World Cups in the last ten years and it has now come to an end. (On if he has another World Cup left in him) Got a nice break leading into this World Cup. Body is feeling well, I love playing for New Zealand. Dream to play cricket and I still enjoy it, so you never know.”
Brian Masaba, Losing Captain:
“It has been a wonderful experience for us. Obviously, being here first time at this level, just the exposure to the quality players. It has done wonders for the game back home. The whole country has been following our progress, staying up late to watch games. hopefully it is a platform we can build on. I have tried to interact as much as I can with the top players, trying to pick their brain. Asking questions like what they did to get better. We are looking forward to what happens next for us, and hopefully this can help get it done. (On the opposition teams they have interacted with) They have absolutely loved us and I want to say thank you to them. They have been happy when we have done well and happy to share words of encouragement when we have not done well. They have helped us wherever they can. Nice to see how the boys have gone, especially in the field. The two young fast bowlers have inspired a lot of kids back home. They come from a humble background and to see them do what they do, there are a lot of kids dreaming about it as well. As a cricketer and as a player, that is what you hope for – to leave a mark and make it a better place. It is a very humbling experience and hopefully, Ugandan cricket can learn from this and build on this platform. (On how the West Indian fans have received them) They love us here and we love them back. We tell them we have a massive following back home. Very happy they have been receptive of us.”
Kane Williamson, Winning Captain:
“Guys were good. Obviously, there was plenty there in the surface and made life pretty difficult. Nice to do that job in the first half. Very tough, there is not a lot of control or ideas of method on how you identify six balls here and a match-up there. That is the difference between getting 110-115 and 80 or less. It has been unique, and nice to have done things a little bit better. (On having more teams at the World Cup and interacting with them) Great, you know. More the merrier, in terms of exposure at the highest level. The conditions have been an added challenge but having that exposure is always a great thing to learn from. (Weekend plans) Recover tomorrow and then train and play again. Same discussions again and being respectful of the conditions and the surface, and playing as well as you can.”