Lost a match, won millions of fans.
In modern sports, often the catchwords frequently heard are of intent, aggression. The Aussies famously started 'mental disintegration' where they would make the opponents lose their cool with their sledging and other related mind games.
But then comes rare talents like Kane Williamson who doesn't believe in that hard grind approach towards playing. Just like his silken touch in batting, Kane Williamson often has a very polite way of dealing with friends and foes alike. Even when he is repeatedly bated to say something controversial, he has a way of avoiding rancour but also of making his point with proper usage of words.
And unlike many others, who may be forced to keep a certain image for brand considerations, it comes naturally to Kane Williamson. It's hard to put on an act when you have just lost the World Cup Final on mere technicality, of hitting less fours throughout the match!
Also Read: Experts slam controversial tie-break rule
"We're gutted that it's not us but England had a very good campaign and they deserve the victory." #NZvENG | #CWC19 | #CWC19Final pic.twitter.com/yYrz4hC8Jb
— ICC (@ICC) July 15, 2019
Even the official World Cup handle can't help but praise Williamson's sporting attitude.
Kane Williamson on England's fortunate four runs: "That was a little bit of shame, wasn't it? Unfortunately, that's the game we play, and that sort of thing happens from time to time."
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 14, 2019
What a gent #BackTheBlackCaps | #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/4aQLW3Xgbg
Also Read: Was New Zealand robbed off victory?
Kane Williamson still kept a smile and didn't blame anyone or the rules for their defeat. He gave due credit to winner England and said that the deserving team has won. Twitter was obviously full of praise for Williamson after his gracious remarks. Even the journalists were not aloof. Williamson got a standing ovation when he ended his press conference. Ken Williamson and his band of boys may have lost the World Cup final by the smallest of margins, but they won millions of fans on Sunday. On social media, it looked like everyone stan for King Kane!
1. Kane Williamson gets the player of the tournament award
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The guy should be the world's president and CEO. https://t.co/iwLPvvv8Co
— Rahul Desai (@ReelReptile) July 14, 2019
"If you can face triumph and disaster, and treat both imposters just the same"
— Avantika (@avantikatikmany) July 14, 2019
You're absolute heroes pic.twitter.com/McxUpi8Kbj
Kane Williamson is still having a smile in his face after losing a world cup final after a tie in super over.
— Johns (@CricCrazyJohns) July 14, 2019
Incredible Kane. pic.twitter.com/eOcsjh8Akm
2. Kane wins heart
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My heart goes out to Kane Williamson and @BLACKCAPS. But congratulations for playing with dignity and class. You made a lot more friends and did your country proud.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 14, 2019
This was not a day for the nice guy. Neither Federer nor Kane Williamson.
— Naomi Datta (@nowme_datta) July 14, 2019
They had to nudge him to talk about those four overthrows, and all he said was: "Was a bit of a shame, ain't it". What a man Kane. Your stature grew hundred-fold in the eyes of every cricket fan today. #CWC19
— cricBC (@cricBC) July 14, 2019
"Just be yourself and try to enjoy what you do". Kane Williamson's last answer at the Press Conference.
— Jarrod Kimber (@ajarrodkimber) July 14, 2019
3. What Williamson said in press conference
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New Zealand captain Kane Williamson was a little confused and understandably devastated after his team lost the World Cup final to England in bizarre circumstances at Lord's on Sunday.
New Zealand scored 241 for eight and England were bowled out for 241 off the last ball of their 50th over, leaving the match tied. Both teams scored 15 runs in a Super Over and England won the trophy because they hit more boundaries in the match.
"I don't know how they won it, was it boundaries or something?," Williamson said.
"Gutted, the guys put in a huge effort to get this opportunity, to pretty much do all you could and still not get across the line," he told a news conference.
England were struggling in their chase and benefited from a huge slice of luck in the final over when a New Zealand throw-in hit Ben Stokes's bat and went to the boundary.
"A couple of uncontrollables today that are pretty hard to swallow but we take nothing away from England today and through the tournament they are deserved winners," Williamson said.
New Zealand were happy with the total they posted after electing to bat on a pitch which was tricky to score quickly on.
"We knew 250–260 wasn’t easy to get, you saw in the first 10 overs the movement, we were able to pick up some early wickets. Our bowlers were putting ball in great areas," Williamson said.
New Zealand lost in the final for the second World Cup in a row after finishing runners-up to Australia four years ago and their wait to lift the trophy for the first time goes on.
"The thing you walk away with is the amount of heart the guys have put in during the whole campaign and today," Williamson said.
"While it's raw it's pretty hard to swallow – two teams worked really hard to get to this moment – two attempts to separate them. But it is what it is – the rules are there and nobody probably thought it would come to that.
"It was a fantastic game to be a part of so it's hard to look at it in a rational way at the moment - - but it was a great spectacle for everyone," added Williamson, who was named the player of the tournament after scoring 578 runs.
"It’s not about individual accolades, the whole squad has put into the bucket and that’s always the focus," said Williamson, who left the room to a warm ovation from the assembled reporters.
"One of the great things about the game is that on any given day pretty much anything can happen and we saw that today."- Reuters
