The pulse quickens and memories stir as Black Caps paceman Lockie Ferguson, amidst the buzz of the impending duel with hosts India in the ODI Cricket World Cup semifinals, casts a glance back to the epic showdown in 2019.
Who can forget the two-day epic semifinal at Old Trafford four years ago? Rain disrupted play in the 47th over of New Zealand’s innings, sending the game into a second day. Finishing on 239 for eight, Matt Henry and Trent Boult did damage early for New Zealand with the ball in hand. India went on to lose by 18 runs.
But this is not just about reminiscence for Ferguson; it’s about the relentless stride of the current Kiwis squad through recent men’s white-ball tournaments. Their journey to the semis in India charts their fifth consecutive ascension to this critical World Cup stage. It’s a saga of resilience, from losing finalists in 2019 and 2015 to semifinalists in 2011 and 2007, a testament to their unwavering consistency in the grandest of cricketing arenas.
Unraveling the secret to this unyielding performance, Ferguson lays it bare. “From our point of view, when we start the competition, much like every other team, we’re here to win it, but of course, we know there’s a process.” Grounded in a distinctive Kiwi mentality, their focus on the present fuels their aspirations. He says the roaring support in India, with a sea of New Zealand jerseys, ignites their spirit, reminding them of the unwavering backing they possess.
In the lead-up to the showdown, Ferguson recalls his role in the 2019 triumph over India, acknowledging the absence of 2019 semifinal man of the match Henry, who was ruled out of the World Cup on November 3 with a torn right hamstring. “Matt Henry is obviously a big hole in our side, but we’re still a handsome bunch without Matt,” he says, infusing the challenge with the trademark Kiwi humour.
