‘We are confident in the players and the group we have’ – NZ-W assistant coach Craig McMillan looks forward to T20 World Cup

Craig McMillan. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

New Zealand are optimistic of their chances to win the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, slated to begin on October 3. Assistant coach Craig McMillan noted that the White Ferns are not the favourites to win as per the experts but added that they have what it takes to go the distance and win the trophy.

Notably, the Sophie Devine-led side will begin their campaign in the T20 World Cup against India on Friday, October 4. They will also face Australia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the group stage as the top two teams after the round will qualify for the semi-finals, which will take place on October 17 and 18 respectively. Meanwhile, McMillan stated that the team is confident of their chances and is looking forward to the tournament.

“I think the expectations will stay within the group, but what I would say is that we’re excited about the (T20) World Cup and the matches that we have in our group. We know that we probably won’t be one of the teams that’s favoured by many, but we’re confident in the players and the group we have and we’re really looking forward to the tournament,” McMillan told ICC Digital.

Also Check: Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: New Zealand announce squad; Sophie Devine named captain

I like the balance we have: McMillan

McMillan stated that he would love to see legendary cricketers like Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates retire with at least one trophy and believes that the T20 World Cup 2024 is the right time to do so. He added that the team has the right balance this time around and he hopes that the players do their job and live up to the potential.

“I couldn’t think of a better way for two legends (Devine and Bates) of the game in New Zealand to perhaps go out, maybe holding a trophy,” said.

“I like the balance we have with the youngsters learning off the experienced players that we have, but what we need is everyone doing their job to the best of their ability and if that happens, you just never know what might happen come World Cup time,” he added.