Kolkata, March 2 New Zealand doesn't try to create bigger challenges than they face, said Daryl Mitchell on Monday, adding that the Kiwis will rely on their recent experience of playing in India for the T20 World Cup semifinal.
New Zealand will face the runners-up from the previous edition, South Africa, in the first semifinal to be played at Eden Gardens here on Wednesday, and Mitchell said the Kiwis have a clear understanding of how they want to approach the match.
"We are very clear about how we want to operate as the Black Caps, both on and off the field. We don't try to make things more complicated than they are, but we are also very excited to be in this position and understand how fortunate we are to be in a semifinal," Mitchell told New Zealand Cricket.
"We are looking forward to competing and trying to win key moments is something we constantly discuss, and hopefully, that means we will be heading towards the final in a few days," Mitchell said.
New Zealand has been in India since the beginning of the year, having played a three-match ODI and a five-match T20I series across various venues in preparation for the tournament.
Mitchell said New Zealand will leverage this experience.
"We have spent some time here in India in the last two months, and I believe we know what the conditions will be like," said Mitchell as the Kiwis returned from Sri Lanka after playing a few games in the island nation.
"It will be different from what we experienced in Sri Lanka in the last few weeks. But I also believe that the players will trust the preparation we have had over the last few months and look forward to competing."
"The surfaces in Sri Lanka were much slower and lower, which made it difficult towards the end of the innings," Mitchell added.
New Zealand had earlier lost their group stage match to South Africa by seven wickets.
"They are one of the best teams in the competition for a reason, and they are where they are, so we are really excited to compete against them. Even here in Kolkata in the World Cup semi-final," Mitchell said.
"Both teams are doing everything they can to advance to the next stage. For me, it will be great to play in front of a full crowd at Eden Gardens. It's always a special experience," Mitchell added.
Mitchell said being named the Player-of-the-Month for January after his performance against India in the ODI series, which New Zealand won 2-1, was a team effort.
"It's a nice recognition. It also acknowledges the team's success in January 2026, particularly the historic victory in the ODI series against India," Mitchell said.
