New Zealand‘s campaign e T20 World Cup 2024 it has come to a disappointing end after back-to-back defeats Afghanistan again The West Indies. This is the first time since 2014 that the Blackcaps have failed to reach the semi-finals of a limited edition World Cup competition. Despite their nine-wicket haul against each other Uganda at the Brian Lara Stadium, which was their first win in the tournament, New Zealand’s hopes were dashed earlier due to earlier defeats.
Announces retirement from T20 World Cup
It adds to New Zealand’s shortcomings, the veteran pacer Trent Boult confirmed that the ongoing T20 World Cup matches will be the last time he plays with the Black Caps in this tournament. Boult, New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup, made the announcement after the match against Uganda at the Brian Lara Stadium. Reflecting on his decision, Boult expressed mixed feelings, saying, “Speaking for myself, this will be my last T20 World Cup, so that’s all I have to say,”
UPDATE: Fans react strongly as New Zealand faces exit from 2024 T20 World Cup
Reflections on New Zealand’s performance
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Boult admitted that T20 cricket was unpredictable and expressed disappointment at New Zealand’s failure to qualify. “I think, in T20 cricket anything is possible. We are saddened by the inadequacy. We have been played in this tournament earlier in the tournament and we didn’t win for a good reason so it’s unfortunate but that’s how T20 cricket goes,”
Undeterred, Boult paid tribute to his bowling partner Tim Southee, emphasizing their strong partnership on and off the field.
“I look at it with very fond memories. We bowled a lot of overs together. I know the partnership very well, and obviously a very good friend inside and out. So, it’s good to turn back the clock a little and see swing bowling from above. Hopefully there will be a few more to come,” the 34-year-old added.
Hope for the future of New Zealand
Looking ahead, Boult remains optimistic about the future of New Zealand cricket, highlighting the potential of the team’s young players. Despite the early exit from the T20 World Cup, Boult believed in the growth and development of the team in the coming years. New Zealand will play their final matches in the group stage Papua New Guinea at the Brian Lara Stadium on June 17, aiming to end their campaign on a positive note despite the utter disappointment of not progressing in the competition.
“It’s hard to predict. As I said there is a lot of pride in dressing and playing for the country. We’ve had good records over the years though and it’s something we don’t look at too much. I think there is still some incredible talent within that dressing room and that will come through at the levels of New Zealand cricket. So, we are a proud nation and I think we will continue to go that way,” Boult concluded.
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