Die hard

Die hard

The T20 final was unfavourable, but Kiwis will do well to keep their fighting spirit alive in India.

Having lifted the 50-over World Cup five times, the Aussies are no strangers to the pinnacle of glory, though the trophy’s T20 cousin hadn’t been added to their collection until Sunday evening, when the Kangaroos got the better of the Kiwis in the final played in the UAE. The Aussies, always one of the strongest title contenders across all formats, played exactly like champions. Their relentless chasing of targets, especially in the last few matches, showed that they were confident and meant serious business. Though not all players were in the best of form, somebody or the other rose to the occasion to save the day. Australia lost only one of their five matches (to England), leaving in no doubt their superior skill set and brute power. That’s how former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag, along with others from the cricket fraternity, underlined the Australian victory. While India took an early exit from the tournament (and it was not the first time when India’s fate was pinned on the other team, Afghanistan, in this case), the Black Caps managed to hang on till the finals, but in vain. Having said that, they had made it to the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cup finals, too, but lost to Australia and England, respectively.

But the courage and sporting spirit that the Kiwis bring to the field, though rarely being hailed as the “top dog”, must be applauded. While New Zealand’s World Cup ambition will have to wait until 2023, its focus must now shift to India for a three-match T20 and two-match Test series, starting November 17. Now it’s time for both the teams to focus on the matches ahead with the fighting spirit they are known for and give their best. Team India had demonstrated resilience earlier this year when it pulled off a magnificent victory from the jaws of defeat against England as well as Australia. The same never-say-die attitude is needed to be brought to the table; it applies to the Kiwis as well. If both teams manage to put up a good show, it would certainly be a boost for the sport, besides uplifting the morale of the players and their fans. Cricket is much like life, where there always are new opportunities and one must always bounce back. One win will not make you invincible and one defeat will not define you. And, it is not over even after it’s ‘over’.