Unmukt Chand credits bowlers for semi-final win over New Zealand – Cricket News Update
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ireland-c751 Stadium, Townsville, on Thursday, August 23.
Defending a modest 50-over total of 209, courtesy Prashant Chopra (52) and Baba Aparajith (44), the Harmeet Singh-led Indian attack rose to the occasion and restricted the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 batting line up to 200 for 9, in their stipulated 50 overs.
"Spinners have been bowling consistently well for us," said Chand at the post-match presentation ceremony in Townsville.
"Harmeet was excellent and Aparajith also supported him well. They are the most important players of the team," the Indian skipper added further.
After finishing the group stage as Group C’s second best, the 2008 World Champions defeated http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 by one wicket in the quarterfinal before beating the Black Caps in the semi-final. They will face hosts and defending champions, Australia in the tournament final, at the Tony Ireland Stadium, Townsville, on Sunday, August 26.
Chand said that he was delighted with his team’s all-round performance and hoped to do well against Australia in the final. However he admitted that playing the Kangaroos in their home conditions would be a tough challenge for them.
"It feels great (to be in the final). It’s a result of great team work," said the visiting skipper. "http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 would be tough. Playing Australia in Australia is always difficult," he added further.
The New Zealand skipper Will Young rued his side’s batting collapse for the close defeat.
"We did enough with the ball. We’d have taken 210 on any day. The pitch was consistent. But we lost wickets at regular intervals," he said.
Baba Aparajith was adjudged the Man of the Match for his all-round performance, as he not only contributed with a solid knock of 44 runs but also helped with his right-arm off-spin, returning with figures of 10-1-29-1. The 18-year-old Chennai all-rounder said that he was just trying to get his basics right.
"I’m just trying to keep my momentum going. I am trying to get my basics right. But Australia is a very competitive side," said Aparajith.
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