Kane Williamson, the New Zealand skipper, saw his side fall short in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 final by the finest margin, and while it isn't something he can easily put behind him, he is grateful for the chance to have been involved in that match.
England and New Zealand were tied after 100 overs at Lord's, and then again after the Super Over. The hosts were finally declared winners based on the number of boundaries scored in the game.
"It’s one of those things that every day, often, you're having small conversations about it. Guys are still thinking about it, trying to make sense of it," Williamson said, reliving the day with ICC Cricket 360. "That's credit to the match we were involved in, but also the result and how it all ended up ... One of those things that guys will be talking about for a long time."
Williamson appreciated being involved in such a thrilling game, and the warmth and support that followed it. Soon after the final, the 29-year-old was also nominated for the New Zealander of the Year award.
"It's one of those games which, no doubt, you’ll look back on and really have appreciated being involved in it," he said. "Then you throw in a bit of context – the World Cup final – and it maybe makes it all that more special.
"It was really nice coming back home and seeing the reaction it had, and the following it had," said the skipper. "It's been overwhelmingly positive in terms of the response and how people enjoyed that match, which is a great thing."
Williamson identified the unity in his side as a strength that helped pulled them through tough situations. He praised the team for quickly adapting to unexpected conditions, and giving themselves the "opportunity to win in high-pressure situations".
"We had a huge amount of fun along the way," he said. "The thing I'd be most proud of is the way we stuck together as a side and stayed true to the sort of cricket we wanted to play throughout the campaign ... We've got a great bunch of guys in the side that keep each other honest. We know that we want to be true to ourselves in terms of the way we conduct ourselves on and off the park."
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