Indeed, what a dark day for NZ Cricket. The Black Caps have been soundly beaten by Sri Lanka in their semifinal match at the Cricket World Cup. And in a not-so-unexpected twist, Fleming has quit as one-day skipper. It was quite ironic that on Anzac Day, our boys delivered a gutless performance.
This was a very very sorry effort from our boys who failed to deliver with bat and ball. Sri Lanka piled on a massive 289 runs and NZ were never in the chase. After losing the openers cheaply it seemed like we would have a close game on our hands. Alas, there was a middle order collapse, where we lost 5 wickets in 5 overs. Despite a last wicket partnership, which was probably the best partnership of the NZ innings, we lost the game by 81 runs.
This was the 5th time NZ has made the semis and we have never crossed that line to the finals before. The outcome of the Cricket World Cup really looks predictable. Australia, not having lost a game, looks set to take the title for the 3rd time, unless Murali and his fellow spinners intervene, which would be just like 1996 all over again.
As for Stephen Fleming, he has been horrible against Sri Lanka in the World Cup. He cannot seem to face Vaas or Malinga at all. So it wasn't a surprise that he has quit as captain. But I just cannot see a suitable replacement for Fleming. He's a very experienced captain, probably the best in the world, but relieving him of the captaincy should hopefully help him get more runs with the bat. Or maybe appear in more Fujitsu or Rexona ads.
The feeling of losing yet another semifinal opens up old wounds inflicted in 1992 and 1999. I just wonder how long it would take for this team to cross that line and make a final for once. With certain players already near the end of their use-by date, it doesn't bode well for the future.
1 comment:
After hearing our boys react to being called gutless, or other words to that effect, I now have a change of heart.
These guys were all doing their best for their country. Sure I am upset that they didn't achieve the results that they, and I, wanted. But in hindsight, they have no right to be insulted by ignorant people.
Players can take criticism, but to call them gutless or words to that effect really hurts, because it's just wrong.
I always dream of being in the Black Caps squad and playing international cricket for NZ (a pipe dream!) and if I were in their shoes I wouldn't like to be called gutless at all.
Hats off, Black Caps, for making it as far as you did.
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