T20 Cricket World Cup: Blackcaps relaxed before tricky semi-final against Pakistan

Never one to get too worked up, Blackcaps skipper Kane Williamson appears relaxed on the eve of his team's T20 World Cup semi-final. 

New Zealand have lost crucial knockout games against Pakistan in the past, but Williamson's confident his side are up for the challenge.

It's an all too familiar feeling, focusing on a World Cup semi-final, and the Blackcaps captain is no stranger to it.

"It's a nice place to be," he said. "On any day, anything can happen - just focusing on one game at a time." 

For now, that's beating Pakistan, a side known for their unpredictability in big games - they've been a thorn in New Zealand sides since the 1992 semi-final loss.

"I was two," Williamson laughed, but he will carry the legacy of New Zealand history with him tomorrow. 

"When you turn up, you want to win, that's sort of part of the idea," he said.

On the boundary of the Sydney semi-final, attention has been on Sri Lankan Danushka Gunathilaka, behind bars until after Christmas, after being accused of rape. 

"We're just here to focus on cricket," Williamson said, after he was asked if the incident had overshadowed the match.

Kane Williamson celebrates his half-century at the World Cup
Kane Williamson celebrates his half-century at the World Cup. Photo credit: Getty Images

Their rivals know how good the Blackcaps are at that. 

"Like NZ sport in general, they really punch above their weight," said former Australian opener and Pakistan batting coach Matthew Hayden. 

"They believe they can win this tournament and they've got the potential to do that, so lots of threats to our camp - no question."

Watch the video above for the full story and join Newshub for live updates of the Blackcaps v Pakistan T20 World Cup semi-final from 9pm Wednesday