Afghanistan a well-balanced side; tough challenge for us: Williamson

It has been nearly a week since the start of the T20 World Cup 2024, ad we will finally see New Zealand in action in their first encounter against Afghanistan in Guyana. Kane Williamson's men got pretty close to getting their hands on the trophy in 2021, and the following year they made the semi-final.

However, Williamson is not looking that far ahead just yet as New Zealand have a dangerous Afghanistan side ahead of them. 

"They're a team that have just grown and grown every year and certainly players that have been involved in some of the franchise cricket are well aware of the capabilities of the talent and the world-class skills that they have within their side," Williamson said in the pre-match press conference.

"They've always had really strong spin options, but now they're a very well-balanced side with the seamers that they have and the batting as well. So, a tough challenge and a team that's playing well and growing a lot. So, for us, we know that there are strong teams throughout this competition and often comes back to our cricket. We say that often, so it's about the cricket we want to play and focusing on our plans and roles that we have within our side."

The Blackcaps have prove they are a top side across all World Cups in the last decade or so. They are among the top favourites in this edition as well. While there have been some good memories from the T20 World Cup, Williamson insists that his side are taking it one game at a time.

"We know it's been maybe 10 days or so before our first match, but once we start, the matches come pretty thick and fast," Williamson said. 

"So, it's trying to start well and build throughout and know that if we play well, then it gives us the best chance to get as far as we can in any tournament. So, we're looking forward to our first game tomorrow. Afghanistan are a very strong side. And then [we are taking] just one game at a time."

Is this finally going to be New Zealand's year? Williamson says that his side will put all their attention in getting their hands on the silverware.

"I suppose any player that gets deeper into their career and perhaps some of those opportunities naturally become less, But the same thing is just our approach to it. What gives us the best chance? There are no promises," the 33-year-old said. 

"There's obviously good intentions and hopes and dreams, and so many teams have the same ones. And so, it comes back to that cricket, what we're trying to do as a group, and really put your attention and focus into that and see what unfolds."

After their tie against Afghanistan, New Zealand move their base to Trinidad, where they will play their next three games starting with West Indies (June 12), Uganda (June 14) and Papua New Guinea (June 17).

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