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Business News/ News / Business Of Life/  World Cup 2015: The Kiwis take flight
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World Cup 2015: The Kiwis take flight

It will be hard for either Australia or India to quell New Zealand in the final, despite their superior ranking and greater experience

Brendon McCullum. Photo: Michael Bradley/AFPPremium
Brendon McCullum. Photo: Michael Bradley/AFP

OTHERS :

When the semi-final line-up for the cricket World Cup was decided, I ventured to say that either Australia or India, who play today, would go on to win the title. After watching New Zealand clinch Tuesday’s heart-stopper, however, I am not too sure.

Beating South Africa, whom many rated as favourites for the title before the tournament began, would never have been easy even if New Zealand enjoyed home advantage. On paper, certainly, New Zealand looked decidedly inferior. The world’s best batsman (A.B. de Villiers) and the best fast bowler (Dale Steyn) belonged to the opposition. Collectively, the South Africans had far greater experience, what with Hashim Amla, J.P. Duminy and Morne Morkel in their ranks. Since neither side had ever been in a final earlier, despite reaching the semi-final several times, both South Africa and New Zealand had a lot at stake; not the least, ridding themselves of the “choker" tag.

In the event, what we got was a classic. Suspense and tension about who would win grew exponentially as the match reached a heady climax, till Grant Elliott won the match for his side by hitting Steyn out of the ground off the penultimate delivery.

To me, it seems South Africa did not lose the match; rather, New Zealand won it. Both teams showed excellent skills, interspersed with some fumbles and stumbles as the pressure mounted. The difference between the two was so minuscule that it seems a travesty one side had to lose. But that’s the way the cookie crumbles in sport.

This victory showcased everything that has made New Zealand’s campaign in the tournament so spectacular: strong nerves, flair, gumption, resilience, commitment and, above all else, fierce ambition. It will be hard for either Australia or India to quell this in the final, despite their superior ranking and greater experience.

The story of how New Zealand have become a top-notch cricket side over the past couple of years is no less fascinating than their superb showing in the tournament. It shows how a committed administration defused a serious crisis and helped create an environment of excellence and achievement.

While cricket is obviously top of the pops in the country currently, it has never been the No.1 sport in New Zealand. Rugby leads the popularity ratings by far, with cricket playing third or fourth fiddle. A few years back, New Zealand cricket was not only broke, it had also been hit by corruption-linked controversies, including one involving former star all-rounder Chris Cairns. This had not only put off supporters, but also sponsors. The harsh anti-corruption law in sport that has been promulgated recently in New Zealand had its genesis in this controversy. But that was only one part of the problem. The other was to revive interest in the sport, drastically on the wane because of the poor performances of the team.

At the core of the rise to eminence, in my opinion, is Brendon McCullum, who was made captain in December 2012. It wasn’t an easy transition. Initially, he was only One Day International (ODI) captain, but after incumbent Ross Taylor declined to lead only in Tests, McCullum was given this job too. There are diverse opinions on splitting the captaincy for different formats. But when a team is struggling badly, there is merit in having one man in charge—provided, of course, that he deserves a place in the side. Being captain in all formats allowed McCullum more bargaining power with selectors on the choice of players and greater control over the dressing room. It helped him pick the talent that could give expression to his idea of how New Zealand could make the World Cup campaign successful.

It was at McCullum’s insistence that the selectors relented and included Martin Guptill in the side despite his run of low scores preceding the tournament. McCullum had won over Taylor’s allegiance earlier, then talked Daniel Vettori out of impending retirement and ensured that Elliott would be in his team. These three veterans have been a stabilizing influence in a side packed with youngsters. The fact that McCullum’s brother Nathan hasn’t got a game yet in the World Cup despite being part of the squad shows a complete lack of nepotism and total commitment to the cause.

The highlights of New Zealand’s performances have been audacity, resilience and strong ambition. These are characteristics that also define McCullum’s cricket, as his record—as batsman and captain—over the past 15-18 months has shown.

Often keeping four-five slips for his fast bowlers, he has redefined ODI tactics with his blatant aggression. His blazing batsmanship at the top of the order in ODIs contrasts with his approach in Tests. But it is done with the purpose of making the first power play productive, giving his side a head start. The biggest change, however, is that McCullum has made his players believe in themselves, making the World Cup campaign “Mission Possible".

The zest and fervour with which they have responded may make it difficult for either India or Australia to stymie the Kiwis.

Ayaz Memon is a senior columnist who writes on sports and other matters.

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Published: 25 Mar 2015, 07:03 PM IST
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