On Wednesday, New Zealand created history after defeating England in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2021 and entering their first-ever final in a World T20 event. The chief architects behind the epic victory were all-rounder James Neesham and opener Daryl Mitchell, who helped their side snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
After the sensational triumph, the Black Caps players and staff members, sitting in the dugout, jumped in joy to celebrate the moment. However, Neesham was seen sitting on his chair, arms crossed with zero expressions on his face.
Neesham’s picture of sitting on his chair even after his team won the contest went viral on social media, with fans wondering what exactly happened with the star all-rounder. After the match, Neesham broke the silence and shared his view.
Taking to Twitter, Neeshsam re-tweeted the viral photo with the caption: “Job finished? I don’t think so.”
Job finished? I don’t think so. https://t.co/uBCLLUuf6B
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) November 10, 2021
Neesham played a game-changing knock of 11-ball 27 runs, including three sixes, when New Zealand desperately needed the momentum in their chase of 167 runs.
Apart from the Auckland-born cricketer, Mitchell also shined with the bat and carried his bat in New Zealand’s sensational victory. Mitchell scored an unbeaten 72 off 47 deliveries with the help of eight boundaries, including four maximums to help his side win the contest with five wickets in hand and six balls to spare.
Post the match, skipper Kane Williamson lauded the brilliant efforts by Mitchell and Neesham for driving New Zealand into the final of the ongoing multi-team tournament.
“Definitely, something that stood out today (Mitchell’s character). Has batted beautifully in a high-pressure situation. T20 cricket – it’s a game of small margins. Depending on the surface, the short side – these things can be match-defining. He came out and hit the ball hard, that’s what he does (Neesham). Changed the momentum, really. Fantastic knock from Daryll, hit the big shots when it counted,” said Williamson at the post-match presentation.
