Women’s World Cup 2025: Ben Sawyer Comments on New Zealand’s Strong Cricket Performance and Key Missed Opportunities – India Today

New Zealand’s cricket coach, Ben Sawyer, shared insights on the team’s performance in the ongoing competition. He expressed that while the team has showcased strong cricket, they have also encountered critical moments that slipped away.
Overview of New Zealand’s Cricket Journey
Looking ahead, New Zealand is set to face Pakistan, where a victory is essential for their chances of finishing in the top four. Sawyer reflected on the team’s recent matches, noting their close contest against Australia. He felt that New Zealand was in a promising position during that match, as well as against South Africa.
Key Matches and Challenges
- Close match against Australia, creating challenging opportunities.
- Tight contest with South Africa that could have gone either way.
- Successfully overcame a tricky encounter with Bangladesh.
In each of these matches, Sawyer acknowledged moments where they could have capitalized but fell short. He believes the team’s performance demonstrates a mix of experienced players and younger talents, many of whom are participating in their first World Cup.
Team Dynamics and Future Aspirations
This blend of seasoned veterans and younger athletes, aged 20 to 21, brings both experience and enthusiasm to the group. Sawyer expressed optimism about the players’ ability to handle pressure, regardless of their experience level.
As New Zealand prepares for their next match against Pakistan, the focus is on maintaining competitive spirit and translating solid performances into victories. Sawyer’s confidence in the team’s capabilities reflects their potential moving forward in the tournament.