The 5th World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand was a landmark success. For the first time we saw colored clothing, day-night matches, use of separate white balls from both ends simultaneously, pinch-hitters (Thanks to a new rule that only two fielders were allowed outside the circle for first 15 overs) and global TV coverage.
South Africa were welcomed warmly back into the international fold and they provided extra color. This made the total number of teams to an unprecedented nine. The matches were played on the single league basis which though was fair for all teams prolonged the tournament to 39 matches in contrast to 27 played in 1987. The only but a major blot on the tournament was its rain-rule which was introduced to calculate run-rate in rain-shortened matches but was a colossal letdown as it caused some shocking results. The first match was between the hosts and the result had a big impact on both the teams. The favorites Australia were jolted fatally while New Zealand found a spark which carried them almost all the way.
Martin Crowe won the toss and opted to bat on a wicket which was to become even slower later in the match. New Zealand were reduced to 13 for 2 with Bruce Reid and McDermott exploiting early moisture and a bit of bounce with the new ball. Then came the captain who first stabilized the innings with Rod Latham and then treated the crowd with his stroke play in a 118 run partnership with Ken Rutherford. Crowe despite struggling with a knee injury unlashed his pull shots and off-drives with an air of arrogance. He brought up hundred for his team with a hooked four off Steve Waugh in the 28th over. The spin of Peter Taylor too could not halt Crowe who turned him to the fine-leg boundary to bring up his 50 off 88 deliveries. Rutherford made an entertaining 57 off 71 balls with 6 fours. Crowe completed his 100 in the last over off 134 balls with 11 fours mostly pull shots as Australian bowlers erred on the shorter side too often. With some support down the order he added 49 runs in the last 6 overs to end the innings at 248 for 6.
Though it was a challenging total on that wicket but was not beyond the reach of the defending champions on a ground that had shortish boundaries. Crowe surprised the Kangaroo openers with a ploy of opening the bowling with spin. Dipak Patel tied them down even though Chris Cairns went for 30 in his first 4 overs from the other end. Gavin Larsen through his irritatingly tight line and length did not allow Aussie batsmen to score freely which resulted in 4 wickets falling for 33 runs. David boon was battling on aimlessly till he found an able partner in the shape of Steve Waugh. The asking rate was climbing up sharply and despite some assault from Waugh it did not fall below 10. When he too departed caught and bowled by Larsen for 38 off 34 balls, the only interest left was an expected Boon hundred which he completed off 133 balls with 11 fours before being run-out. Larsen took 3 for 30 in his 10 overs. Last 5 wickets fell for just 12 runs in a frantic collapse for Australia resulting in vivid celebration and euphoric scenes at the ground.
New Zealand were to play all their league games at home and this result kick-started their campaign in brilliant manner. Australia on the other hand never recovered from this upset as they were left mentally and physically bruised in their battle for the title defense from the very outset.
South Africa were welcomed warmly back into the international fold and they provided extra color. This made the total number of teams to an unprecedented nine. The matches were played on the single league basis which though was fair for all teams prolonged the tournament to 39 matches in contrast to 27 played in 1987. The only but a major blot on the tournament was its rain-rule which was introduced to calculate run-rate in rain-shortened matches but was a colossal letdown as it caused some shocking results. The first match was between the hosts and the result had a big impact on both the teams. The favorites Australia were jolted fatally while New Zealand found a spark which carried them almost all the way.
Martin Crowe won the toss and opted to bat on a wicket which was to become even slower later in the match. New Zealand were reduced to 13 for 2 with Bruce Reid and McDermott exploiting early moisture and a bit of bounce with the new ball. Then came the captain who first stabilized the innings with Rod Latham and then treated the crowd with his stroke play in a 118 run partnership with Ken Rutherford. Crowe despite struggling with a knee injury unlashed his pull shots and off-drives with an air of arrogance. He brought up hundred for his team with a hooked four off Steve Waugh in the 28th over. The spin of Peter Taylor too could not halt Crowe who turned him to the fine-leg boundary to bring up his 50 off 88 deliveries. Rutherford made an entertaining 57 off 71 balls with 6 fours. Crowe completed his 100 in the last over off 134 balls with 11 fours mostly pull shots as Australian bowlers erred on the shorter side too often. With some support down the order he added 49 runs in the last 6 overs to end the innings at 248 for 6.
Though it was a challenging total on that wicket but was not beyond the reach of the defending champions on a ground that had shortish boundaries. Crowe surprised the Kangaroo openers with a ploy of opening the bowling with spin. Dipak Patel tied them down even though Chris Cairns went for 30 in his first 4 overs from the other end. Gavin Larsen through his irritatingly tight line and length did not allow Aussie batsmen to score freely which resulted in 4 wickets falling for 33 runs. David boon was battling on aimlessly till he found an able partner in the shape of Steve Waugh. The asking rate was climbing up sharply and despite some assault from Waugh it did not fall below 10. When he too departed caught and bowled by Larsen for 38 off 34 balls, the only interest left was an expected Boon hundred which he completed off 133 balls with 11 fours before being run-out. Larsen took 3 for 30 in his 10 overs. Last 5 wickets fell for just 12 runs in a frantic collapse for Australia resulting in vivid celebration and euphoric scenes at the ground.
New Zealand were to play all their league games at home and this result kick-started their campaign in brilliant manner. Australia on the other hand never recovered from this upset as they were left mentally and physically bruised in their battle for the title defense from the very outset.
Published in sportpulse.net
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