‘You don't come halfway around the world just to win a semi-final’ – Jimmy Neesham on his muted celebrations

New Zealand stunned ‘favourites’ England in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2021 and walked away with a five-wicket triumph. It was indeed a thrilling game as the Three Lions looked on command for the majority of the contest. However, some sensational hitting from Daryl Mitchell and Jimmy Neesham brought the Kiwis back in the end overs. Their efforts proved to be fruitful as New Zealand crossed the line with an over to spare.

With the Blackcaps pulling off a jailbreak, the entire New Zealand camp celebrated in ecstasy. However, Neesham, who slammed a momentum-changing 11-ball 27, didn’t move an inch. Even his expressions didn’t change. Speaking of the same, Neesham reckoned the job in just half done and he would celebrate after taking the Kiwis to the glory.

“It’s a situation worthy of celebrating I guess – winning a semi-final – but you don’t come halfway around the world just to win a semi-final,” Neesham told New Zealand Cricket when asked about his rather muted celebrations. It has to be noted that Neesham was a part of the nerve-cracking 2019 World Cup final.

We are not getting ahead of ourselves: Jimmy Neesham

He went out to bat in the Super Over and even smashed Jofra Archer for a massive six. However, his efforts went in vain as the Three Lions won that controversial match. Hence, Neesham wants to save the celebration when the Kiwis finish on the top.

“We’ve got our sights pretty firmly set on the game in a few days’ time…I’m personally, and we as a team, are not getting ahead of ourselves. One game to go and I’m sure there will be a bigger outpouring of emotion if we manage to get across the line,” he added.

Notably, New Zealand have now qualified for the finals in the last three ICC events. Interestingly, they started all these competitions as underdogs but somehow managed to thrive. Speaking of the same, Neesham said New Zealand’s robust planning is the reason behind their consistency.

“Look, I think we’re experienced at it. We’ve done so well and so consistently in tournaments across five or six years. We know how to I suppose hit the reset button and put a win or a loss behind us pretty quickly,” asserted the all-rounder. Meanwhile, New Zealand will meet their Trans-Tasman rivals Australia in the final clash on Sunday (November 14).