New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said his side's experience of playing in front of partisan crowds would serve them well when they face hosts India in a blockbuster Cricket World Cup semi-final.
A capacity crowd of over 33,000 is expected at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium - the home ground of India captain Rohit Sharma - for today's clash
New Zealand, losing finalists at the last two World Cups, knocked India out at the semi-final stage in a rain-affected two-day clash in Manchester four years ago.
Bad weather, however, is unlikely to be an issue in Mumbai and while India had plenty of support at Old Trafford, star batsman Williamson knows that will be as nothing compared to the passionate backing they'll have today.
When a reporter told Williamson during a pre-match press conference that the capacity of the Wankhede is 33,108 and "33 of them will be in blue [India's color]," he jokingly replied: "There'll be more than that."
Williamson, who knows India well from playing in the lucrative Indian Premier League, added: "We're expecting a fairly blue crowd that will be supporting their team.
"Not many people get that opportunity, cricket in India, playing against India in a World Cup semi-final, is special and something to appreciate and look forward to."
Williamson is particularly glad to be involved after fearing he might not make it to the World Cup before a freak injury threatened to cut short his participation. After spending nearly seven months out with a serious knee injury, he suffered a broken left thumb following a wayward throw while running between the wickets.
India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in a hard-fought pool match in Dharamsala last month but Williamson played down the impact of that fixture and the 2019 semi-final.
"India are a side that's been playing extremely well, but we also know come finals time, everything sort of starts again."
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
New Zealand's Kane Williamson has recovered from a fractured finger. REUTERS
India opener Shubman Gill spends time batting in the nets while Virat Kohli does fielding drills ahead of the Cricket World Cup semi-final against New Zealand. AP, AFP
