Table of Contents

NEW DELHI: Daryl Mitchell said on Monday that New Zealand do not inflate occasions beyond their importance, adding that the side will draw confidence from their recent time in India ahead of the T20 World Cup semifinal.

New Zealand are set to face the previous edition’s runners-up South Africa in the first semifinal at Eden Gardens on Wednesday. Mitchell said the Kiwis have complete clarity about how they want to approach the big clash.

“We're pretty clear how we want to operate as Black Caps and that's both on and off the field. We don't make things bigger than what they are, but we're also very excited to be in this position and know how lucky we are to be here in a semifinal,” Mitchell told New Zealand Cricket.

“Just looking forward to getting stuck into the contest, trying to win little moments is something that we constantly speak about and hopefully that means we're heading off to a final in a few days' time,” Mitchell said.

Recent time in India key to semifinal push

New Zealand have been touring India since the start of the year, featuring in a three match ODI series and a five match T20I series at different venues as part of their build-up to the marquee event.

Mitchell believes that exposure will hold them in good stead.

“We've spent a bit of time here in India in the last two months and I guess we know what conditions we'll be coming up with,” said Mitchell as the Kiwis returned from Sri Lanka after playing a few matches there.

“It'll be different to what we've experienced in the last fortnight in Sri Lanka. But also I think guys will trust the preparation that we've had over the last few months and just looking forward to getting stuck in.”

Sri Lanka conditions offered different challenge

Mitchell pointed out that the surfaces in Sri Lanka posed a contrasting test compared to what they expect in India.

“I would say the Sri Lankan surfaces were a lot slower and a lot lower and got it quite difficult towards the back end of innings."

New Zealand had earlier gone down to South Africa by seven wickets in their group stage meeting.

Excitement builds for Eden Gardens showdown

Despite that defeat, Mitchell acknowledged the quality of their semifinal opponents.

“They've been one of the best teams in the competition for a reason and they are where they are, so we're really excited to take them on. Even here in Kolkata in the semi-final of the World Cup."

“Both teams are doing everything they can to try and move on to the next stage. For me, it's just going to be really cool to get into a full crowd at Eden Gardens. It's always pretty special,” Mitchell added.

Mitchell also reflected on being named Player of the Month for January following his performances in the ODI series win against India, which New Zealand clinched 2-1 for a historic result.

“It's nice. It's also recognition as a team for the success we've had in the month of January in 2026, (as) the ODI India series (victory) was historic for us as a country having never done that before,” Mitchell said.

(With PTI Inputs)