New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has said that Pakistan played the ICC T20 World Cup 'Super 12' game against his side on Tuesday in the "right spirit", contrary to speculation that Babar Azam's boys would be all charged up after the Black Caps abandoned the tour of the country last month due to "security threats".
Several former Pakistani cricketers and commentators have been vocal about New Zealand cancelling the limited-overs tour of Pakistan hours before the start of the opening ODI in Rawalpindi last month, terming the T20 World Cup game a "revenge" match.
Asked during the post-match press conference, if the Pakistan player were "aggressive towards" New Zealand cricketers, Williamson said, "No, they played in the right spirit, I believe, and a great spirit. They're a very competitive, proud cricketing nation, and they showed that tonight. They've been outstanding in the first couple of games of this tournament. I'm sure they'll be very, very competitive throughout the back end as well. Their hopes are high, no doubt."