Sheer exhibition of Kiwi courage & calm

By K.R. Nayar from Dubai

What was it that carried New Zealand into the final beating fancied England? It was nothing but a calm and calculated chase towards the target. They were led by a captain Kane Williamson who is calm and goes about his task, never panicking and expressing his nervousness. This surely had rubbed on his players when they bowled as well as batted.

It was another instance of why a cricket match is never won until the end. The balance of the match did fluctuate with England dominating at most stages. When England spinner Liam Livingstone struck repeatedly, many thought that the victory process would just be a formality. New Zealand knew opportunities always lurks amidst any crisis. This is what James Neesham, Devon Conway, and Daryl Mitchell capitalised on. Despite their two outstanding batsmen Martin Guptill and Williamson returning to the dugout quickly, these three took up the challenge. They had to carry the team a long way but they did it calmly, showing aggression when it mattered.

In modern cricket, it is not enough if experts study only the drawbacks in the techniques of their opponent’s players. This match proves that it is also time they did a study of every player’s past and their verve. A look at the three Kiwi batsmen will reveal why it wasn’t surprising that they fought this battle and emerged heroes.

Neesham is someone who has hit a century on his debut. He is among the few to have hit hundreds in consecutive matches from his debut (137 v India and 107 vs West Indies). Not many may be aware that he was on the verge of retiring 18 months before the 2019 World Cup due to injuries and poor form.

New Zealand should be thankful to Heath Mills, CEO of the New Zealand Players Association, who urged Neesham to take a break for three weeks and then come back strongly. The same has been the case with Conway too. He was born in South Africa and failed repeatedly in their domestic cricket. His father was a famous football coach in Johannesburg, but Conway persisted with cricket. It was his determination to want to prove as a cricketer that had helped him reach the New Zealand team. So fierce was his determination that he cracked a double century on his Test debut against England in 2021. At 29 and 329 days, he also became the oldest batsman to score a double century on his Test debut.

Similarly, the hero of the match - Daryl Mitchell- is someone who dared to do what he liked and enjoy it to the fullest. He is the son of New Zealand rugby union coach and former player John Mitchell, but he dared to choose cricket. Mitchell too has someone who believed in his skill and determination, Australian legend Justin Langer, who helped him not only with his batting but also made him strong mentally.

Semifinals are fought and won by brave men with determination. For New Zealand, they have a captain who knows how to inspire his players and withstand the odds. This is what gave them a win over favourites India and now England too. It’s now over to the final for the brave men to once again exhibit their verve.