A nice bunch of gentlemen – that is what the New Zealanders are. You never find them out with puffed off chests after a victory or too visibly bitter after defeats. They are not given to talking tall or letting exuberance go out of control. They can be full of appreciation for their opponents in cricket while being economical about their own achievements. But don’t let all that niceness fool you. They are fierce competitors, every inch so.
When they meet India in the finals of the Champions Trophy on Sunday, be sure they will not be overawed by the reputation of the team favourite to win the tournament or its track record. They will be methodical in their approach and execute their game plan to perfection as always. Whether that pays off is a different matter. But that should be enough to make India jittery. They can be overconfident against New Zealand at their own risk.
Perhaps it would have been more comforting if South Africa had made it to the final. They are a unique combo of talented cricketers, capable of taking down any team on their day. Yet they miss that clinical approach to their game, a reason brilliant individual shows don’t always translate into consistent positive results for the team. David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen, Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj could be blood hounds on the hunt for the kill any day. But they can be a misfiring unit as well. It was evident on Wednesday as they collapsed to New Zealand without much of a fight on a placid wicket.
First they conceded 362 runs, making the chase a difficult one. The top four bowlers – Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder – were extravagant, leaking more than seven runs per over each. That’s unforgivable. The target was tough but never impossible. Just a week ago, Australia had chased down 352 against England with more than two overs to spare. On a flat deck good teams are expected to step up their game in a chase. South Africa ended 50 runs short. New Zealand were typically composed and unhurried.
The numbers don’t present a very comforting picture. In 119 ODI clashes so far, India have won 61 times and New Zealand 50. In the 11 World Cup encounters both have ended up with five victories each. Meticulous as they are the Kiwis would already be on the drawing board plotting the fall of each of India’s batters. They have competent spin and pace options to trouble us. India are in great form. But it’s always good to be in guard against a disciplined side. Gentlemen, on those tricky 22 yards, could be dangerous too.
(By arrangement with Perspective Bytes)
