Auckland, March 23 (IANS) New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum on Monday said his message to the team ahead of their cricket World Cup semi-final clash against South Africa will be to put their best foot forward and enjoy the occasion.
Speaking at the pre-match media conference ahead of their Tuesday's contest, McCullum said: "It will be no different to every other game, I think. We talk a lot about this being the greatest time of our lives and the trip that we've been on so far has been one that we'll all remember."
"The game is meant to be fun, go out there, express yourself, enjoy the occasion, put our best foot forward, and we'll see where the cards fall after that."
On losing their third seamer Adam Milne due to a left heel injury, the skipper said it was disappointing especially given the fact that he has put on such an impressive show with the ball for New Zealand.
"Yeah, it's obviously disappointing. Adam has been outstanding for us in that third seamer role throughout the tournament. Injuries happen, though, and in the end we've got some good cover amongst the squad, as well," he said.
"It's really disappointing for Adam. But he'll remain part of the squad, which is good, because he's a good team man, as well, good fellow to have around, and it's disappointing his tournament as such has ended."
The 33-year-old said his team was looking forward to the battle despite some of them being a little apprehensive about the outcome of the match.
"The boys are pretty excited. Some guys get nervous, yeah. I think any game that you play some guys in your squad get more nervous than others," he said.
"But I think overall the general feeling is one that we just can't wait to get out there and display our skills, test our skills against a very good South African team and obviously in a crunch game, as well."
Comparisons have been drawn between the two sides who have traditionally failed to live up to expectations in World Cups. Both teams are eyeing to make their first final in the event.
McCullum said he expected the team which would handle pressure better to emerge victorious.
"Both teams are playing aggressively, playing an entertaining style of cricket, and both teams are trying to win key moments rather than not lose them. So I think tomorrow will be a great spectacle," he said.
"I'd expect that the team that is able to handle the crunch situations the best will come out on top, but I would expect that the margin won't be too far between both teams."
In 24 hours, there were 82,214 infections and 77,488 people recovered; Six days later the number of patients increased again; More than 58 lakh cases in the country
There have been 82,214 cases of infection in 24 hours in the country, while 77,488 people have been cured. After six days the number of infectives increased from the recovered patients. With this, 58
The scope of exemption has been increased, arbitrary will not work
Regarding the exemption under lockdown, the administration has made it clear that there will be no exemption in the Containment Zone. The administration says the exemption scope has been extended.
Pakistan is embarrassed again, The PAK ambassador was not allowed entry into the US; deported from the airport itself.
US President Donald Trump has taken a very tough stand on immigration. Recently, news came out that the Trump administration is going to crack down on the entry of people from Pakistan and Afghanistan
World Cup: Seven out of 10 teams announced; There is a fight in Pakistan regarding selection, these two countries have not announced yet
The ODI World Cup will start in India after 15 days. The 13th edition of the tournament will start on October 5. The final match will be played on 19 November. This time 10 teams will participate in
Bollywood actresses did not walk in the South: From Katrina to Priyanka, top Bollywood actresses could not show their magic in South cinema
South movies and stars are rocking Bollywood. From Sridevi to Samantha, South Indian actresses have remained in Bollywood. Many Bollywood actresses have tried their luck by going to South Cinema but,
UP Election 2022: BJP's allegation- SP attacked Singh Baghel, made serious allegations against Akhilesh Yadav
The atmosphere is heating up as the voting phase progresses in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. In the Karhal assembly seat of Mainpuri, in front of Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav, the
The way for IPL 2021 cleared, changes in the schedule of CPL on the demand of BCCI
IPL 2021: There is good news for cricket fans. The biggest hurdle in organizing the remaining matches of the 14th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been removed. In fact, at the request of
Corona's new guideline: 7 days isolation instead of 14 for patients without or mild symptoms, necessary oxygen saturation also 93% instead of 94%
Corona patients with no symptoms or mild symptoms will now have to remain isolated or quarantined at their homes for only 7 days instead of 14 days. Not only this, in the latest guidelines of the
Schools, Cinema Halls, and swimming pools opening Tomorrow? See full list
A nationwide lockdown was announced on March 22 to curb Corona's growing infection. Unlock stages were introduced to revive the stalled economy of lockdown. The country entered the fifth phase on the
Russian school shooting kills 13; The attacker shot himself
At least 13 people have been killed and more than 20 injured in a shooting at a Russian school. It is being told that seven children are among the dead. According to the AP, there is an atmosphere of
