I want to be at this World Cup, says Tim Seifert after match-winning knock

Team India suffered their worst defeat in T20I cricket when they faced off against New Zealand in the first of the three-match series of their ongoing assignment. When they stepped on the field to bowl, they were taken aback by unknown proposition – Tim Seifert. Very few knew about this wicketkeeper-batsman, and the in-form Indian bowlers were expected to call the shots against him.

However, Tim Seifert had his plans on the day. He hammered 84 off just 43 deliveries with four boundaries and 6 sixes to anchor the New Zealand total to 219. His batting exploits certainly reminded everyone of another legendary wicketkeeper-batsman who opened the innings for the Black Caps – Brendon McCullum. After the game, Seifert revealed that he has always idolised McCullum and hailed him as his childhood hero.

“I’d be lying if I said Baz [McCullum] wasn’t one of my heroes growing up. Obviously, you try to be yourself out there, but I looked at Baz throughout my childhood. I just looked at the field and it’s all in the moment. I don’t really practice it or anything. It’s the punt you take, it’s T20 cricket,” Tim Seifert quoted.

The World Cup dream

So what is next in store for Tim Seifert? Well, he has his plans well made, and remarked that he wishes to be a part of the New Zealand World Cup squad this year. The Kiwi side struggled big time in the recently concluded ODI series against India, and it is only bright for them to have a backup keeper-batsman doing well in white ball cricket. While the opener is optimistic about making it to the World Cup, he has the alternatives ready as well, in case he missed out on getting the World Cup berth. He is keen on honing his game further.

“I’ve just got to do what I do and if that gets me over the line then brilliant. Still being young I’ve got time on my side. Don’t get me wrong I want to be at this World Cup. If I get there, fantastic, it’s a dream come true, but if not then there’s things to work on and get to that next one,” quoted the keeper-batsman.

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