Blackcaps debutants Mark Chapman and Tim Seifert critical to tri-series win - Kane Williamson

  • 14/02/2018

Blackcaps skipper Kane Williamson has been quick to praise the efforts of the new faces in the New Zealand squad during the tri-series win over England.

Continuing their stand-out form from the domestic T20 competition, Auckland's Mark Chapman made a confident and composed 20 off 13 balls, while Northern Districts wicketkeeper Tim Seifert blasted an unbeaten 14 off just six deliveries in a critical late cameo to push the Blackcaps total just shy of the 200 mark.

"The middle to bottom order with the debutants that came in and really gave us above 180 and closer to 200, which was a great effort on that surface," Williamson said post-match.

The platform was well set for both to capitalise after Williamson's emphatic knock of 72 from 46 balls combined with opener Martin Guptill's 65 to ensure a sturdy foundation was laid for the middle order.

"I thought at the start the guys assessed the conditions really well, we didn't know quite what to expect and it proved to be a good surface. We got plenty in the power play and there partnerships throughout.

"I think there were a number of key moments I thought we pounced on and we know against an English side like this they're a threat all the way down the order so it was important we executed."

The captain dismissed any suggestions of silencing critics after some questions were raised about his future in the Twenty20 format by certain pundits earlier in the week, most vocally from Sky Sport commentator and former Blackcap Simon Doull.

"I just want to contribute as much as I can to the team whenever I go out, so that is my focus.

"It was nice to spend some more time in the middle today and contribute a little bit and I suppose now we move on to Auckland and we want to do it all again."

New Zealand can now secure a spot in the tri-series final with a win over Australia at Eden Park on Friday.

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