“We’ve had some close games and some close defeats over the last few weeks but there’s definitely a lot of confidence in the camp in the type of cricket we’re playing,” Ferguson said after the game.
“We know that if we play the way we want, we will come out on the right side of the draw. We’ll see what happens in the last few games… hopefully we’ll have a few more pushes.”
Ferguson, who missed two of New Zealand’s previous defeats due to an Achilles tendon injury, made a fiery return at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium with figures of 2-35. The bowlers played a crucial role in restricting Sri Lanka to 171 Trent BoultTim Southee, Mitch Santner and Rachin Ravindra contributed to the comprehensive bowling performance.
“During the World Cup, the bowling attacks that performed well passed the baton to the next bowler,” Ferguson added. “The more you build the pressure the eventually something is going to happen and today we got a few tidbits of some really good bowling.”
As Ferguson reflected on New Zealand’s path in the tournament, he stressed the importance of building pressure and acknowledged the success of Boult and Southee in taking early wickets.
New Zealand, which reached the final of the last two World Cups and beat India to win the decisive title in 2019, is on course for another semi-final appearance. Ferguson expressed confidence in his ability to contribute to the team’s success, pointing out that the injury had been just “severe” enough to affect his bowling rate in previous games, but that the hard work in the gym was reflected but paid out.
ICC World Cup 2023: New Zealand beat Sri Lanka to almost reach semi-finals
“I’m excited to get out there, get through 10 overs today and get a few treats too,” concluded the 32-year-old paceman.
Confirmation of New Zealand’s place in the semi-finals of a fourth consecutive World Cup is likely, setting the stage for a thrilling clash against India.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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