What a match it turned out to be. The inclement weather reduced the number of overs as the Duckworth-Lewis system came into action, and that made the match all the more interesting. It required steely nerves to come out with one’s best under the pressure that prevailed during the course of the match, for a loss in this match would have packed the Kiwis out of the tournament. What an innings Stephen Fleming came up with. When the Kiwis started their chase, it seemed they were fighting a losing battle. Coming back into the match when almost on the brink of defeat speaks volumes of Fleming’s temperament and will to put it across the opponents. It was one of the finest innings ever played under the circumstances. Nathan Astle was a perfect foil to his skipper, as he matched him stroke for stroke and batted very sensibly. Herschelle Gibbs played a gem of an innings, for not only did he tackle the likes of Shane Bond, (who looked threatening to start with) head on, but also showed the way to others and made things easier for the batsmen who followed. The way he improvised and played shots all round the wicket showed he is in peak form. The quality of a batsman is judged by the way he changes gear and dominates the proceedings. And, in this respect, Gibbs’ effort was top class, no doubt whatsoever. The amount of bounce the fast bowlers generate from the wickets in South Africa is tremendous. Hence, it’s very important to play them square off the wicket more than in front. The batsmen have to play scoring shots like the hook, the pull and the square cut to telling effect. If not, they would be slow starters. That’s the reason the batsmen from South Africa and Australia are more effective on such wickets. The bowlers too, on such wickets, have to alter their length, especially when up against batsmen from these countries, and must pitch the ball up to them rather than get carried away by the bounce and thereby prove expensive. New Zealand had to change their strategy while chasing such a mammoth total of over 300 runs, for not only had they to get off to a blazing start, but they also had to keep wickets in hand. Besides, they had to keep an eye on the inclement weather as well. Somebody had to grab the bull by the horns. Their captain, Fleming, preferred to lead by example. He couldn’t have chosen a better occasion than this one to come good, and he played some amazing shots not seen very often from his blade in the recent past. Well played, New Zealand!
