New Zealand March into Another Final, South Africa Falter Yet Again

New Zealand’s enduring love affair with ICC events continued as they stormed into their seventh global final, their fourth in the ODI format, with a commanding 50-run victory over South Africa in Lahore. Their triumph was built on a record-breaking batting display, an astute tactical approach, and a well-rounded bowling effort, while South Africa, once again, found themselves on the wrong side of a semi-final heartbreak.

The Black Caps’ dominance was exemplified by the contrasting yet complementary brilliance of Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson. Ravindra, the fearless stroke-maker, compiled his fifth ODI century—each one curiously arriving on an ICC stage—while Williamson, the architect of New Zealand’s batting order, notched a third consecutive century against South Africa. Their second-wicket stand of 164 was a masterclass in pacing an innings: Ravindra’s urgency never allowing the bowlers to settle, while Williamson’s patience allowed him to build towards an inevitable acceleration.

Their contributions were bolstered by Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, who injected late-innings carnage with their brisk knocks of 49 each. The final push saw New Zealand amass 83 runs in the last six overs, a statement of intent that left South Africa gasping for air. By the time they had posted 326 for 6—surpassing the highest-ever Champions Trophy total—the game had already tilted decisively in their favor.

South Africa’s Familiar Failings

A target of 327 was always going to be an uphill climb, but South Africa’s fate was sealed not in their chase but in the field. Their bowling, usually a potent force, was uncharacteristically blunt. They squandered early movement, persisted with pace-on deliveries despite clear indications that pace-off was the smarter option, and committed costly errors in the field. Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj, both usually reliable, went wicketless, while Lungi Ngidi’s intelligent use of slower balls yielded two breakthroughs but wasn’t enough to stem the tide.

It was a performance marred by missed opportunities, most notably when Heinrich Klaasen shelled a sharp chance off Williamson on 56. South Africa's inability to capitalize on key moments only compounded their woes, allowing New Zealand to maintain their stranglehold.

In the chase, their hopes briefly flickered as Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen steadied the innings after an early setback. Both batters reached their half-centuries, taking on New Zealand’s spinners with controlled aggression. At the halfway mark, their score of 143 for 2 mirrored New Zealand’s own 143 for 1. And yet, the symmetry ended there.

Mitchell Santner, the canny left-arm spinner leading New Zealand in this campaign, broke the game open with a spell that was as much about intellect as it was about execution. Bavuma was lured into a mistimed lofted stroke, van der Dussen was undone by subtle variation, and Klaasen, South Africa’s designated destroyer, perished in a desperate bid for acceleration. As wickets tumbled, so did South Africa’s resolve.

The Inevitability of Defeat

By the 35th over, the contest had taken on a grim inevitability. With South Africa needing 170 from 90 balls and only five wickets remaining, even ESPNcricinfo’s win predictor was unsympathetic, giving them a less than 0.5% chance. David Miller fought against that statistic with a lone hand of remarkable defiance, reaching a century off the final ball of the match, a moment tinged with both personal pride and collective sorrow. His subdued cradle celebration—perhaps a tribute to his newborn son—felt eerily reminiscent of his hundred in the 2023 World Cup semi-final: a heroic effort drowned in the tide of an inevitable loss.

For South Africa, this was the ninth time they had fallen at an ICC ODI semi-final hurdle, their only triumph dating back to the inaugural Champions Trophy in 1998. The weight of history grows heavier with each stumble, and with it, the lingering questions about their temperament in high-pressure knockouts.

For New Zealand, however, the script remains one of resilience, adaptability, and quiet excellence. Twenty-five years after their last ICC ODI triumph, the dream of lifting a trophy once more is tantalizingly within reach. Come Sunday in Dubai, against an in-form Indian side, they will have their chance.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar

The Calm and the Chaos: Williamson’s Mastery, de Grandhomme’s Brute Force, and South Africa’s Fading World Cup Dreams

Edgbaston bore witness to yet another chapter in South Africa’s World Cup heartbreak as Kane Williamson’s serene brilliance and Colin de Grandhomme’s unrelenting power dismantled their aspirations. New Zealand’s four-wicket triumph was not just a victory but a surgical dissection of South Africa’s fragility under pressure—a recurring theme in cricket’s grandest arena. 

South Africa’s Faltering Start

Batting first after a rain-delayed toss, South Africa’s innings was a study in hesitation. The early loss of Quinton de Kock to Trent Boult—a recurring nemesis—set the tone for a timid approach. Hashim Amla, once the epitome of elegance, appeared shackled by the weight of expectation. His third-slowest fifty, a painstaking grind, encapsulated South Africa’s inability to adapt to the modern demands of ODI cricket. 

Partnerships with Faf du Plessis and Aiden Markram provided stability but lacked impetus. The top four batsmen all struck at pedestrian rates, their collective inertia reminiscent of a bygone era. It was only in the latter stages, with Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller at the crease, that the innings showed glimpses of urgency. 

Van der Dussen’s unbeaten 67, punctuated by a flourish in the final over, brought South Africa to 241 for 6—a total that offered hope but little breathing room against a side as disciplined as New Zealand. 

Morris Sparks, but Williamson Reigns

South Africa’s hopes were briefly ignited by Chris Morris, whose probing spells wreaked havoc on New Zealand’s top order. Colin Munro’s freak dismissal, Martin Guptill’s hit-wicket calamity, and Ross Taylor’s soft leg-side strangle left New Zealand teetering at 80 for 4. Morris then produced a brute of a delivery to dismiss Tom Latham, injecting life into a contest that seemed to be slipping away. 

But in Williamson, New Zealand possessed an antidote to chaos. Calm, measured, and utterly devoid of ego, he orchestrated the chase with an artistry that belied the mounting pressure. His 106 not out was a masterclass in constructing an innings—his 19th fifty-plus score in ODI chases and his fifth hundred in such scenarios. 

Williamson’s batting was a study in precision. There was no violence in his approach, only an unerring ability to manipulate the field. His trademark dab to third man yielded 21 runs, a testament to his surgical placement. When the occasion demanded it, he unleashed a rare moment of aggression—a six off Andile Phehlukwayo in the final over that brought up his century and left South Africa gasping. 

De Grandhomme’s Counterpunch

While Williamson’s innings provided the backbone, it was de Grandhomme’s muscular 39-ball 60 that shattered South Africa’s resolve. Born in Harare and thriving at his Edgbaston home ground, the all-rounder wielded his bat like a hammer, dismantling South Africa’s bowling with brutal efficiency. 

Short balls were pulled with disdain, full deliveries slashed ferociously, and anything on his legs was dispatched with clubbing force. It wasn’t elegant, but it was devastatingly effective. His partnership of 91 with Williamson was the turning point, as South Africa’s fielding errors compounded their misery. 

South Africa’s Missed Opportunities

Fielding, long a South African hallmark, became their undoing. Dropped catches, missed run-outs, and a catastrophic failure to review Williamson’s edge in the 70s underscored their unravelling. Imran Tahir’s appeals, as fervent as ever, were ignored by Quinton de Kock at a critical juncture, robbing South Africa of a chance to break New Zealand’s resistance. 

Rabada’s efforts were equally futile, as a fumbled run-out opportunity and misfielding in the deep added to the litany of errors. By the time de Grandhomme edged through a vacant slip to bring up the fifty stand, South Africa’s fate seemed sealed. 

A Familiar Ending

The defeat was a microcosm of South Africa’s World Cup struggles—a blend of tentative batting, missed chances, and an inability to seize critical moments. Their record against New Zealand in World Cups now reads a grim 2-6, with the scars of past heartbreaks deepened by this latest failure. 

New Zealand, by contrast, exuded composure. Williamson’s leadership and batting exemplified a team that thrives under pressure, while de Grandhomme’s belligerence provided the perfect counterpoint. 

For South Africa, the dream is all but over, extinguished by a familiar foe. For New Zealand, Williamson’s match-winning century is a beacon of hope, a reminder of their credentials as genuine contenders in this World Cup. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

The Cricketing Symphony of 1994: A Blend of Timeless Elegance and New Frontiers

In 1994, the world of cricket was a rich mosaic, a canvas where the strokes of old masters blended with the vibrant colours of a new generation. For a student grappling with the rigours of eighth grade, cricket offered a sanctuary from the relentless grind of academics. Each evening, the luminaries of the game—Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis with their reverse-swing wizardry, Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara with their artistry, and Shane Warne with his magical leg-spin—brought solace and inspiration to a world otherwise dominated by algebra and English literature. 

Yet, this era wasn’t merely about the ascendancy of the new. It was also a poignant farewell to the fading giants. The likes of Javed Miandad, Allan Border, Salim Malik, Richie Richardson, and Martin Crowe, though past their zenith, occasionally rose to remind us of their indomitable spirit. Their brilliance, when it surfaced, could outshine even the brightest stars of the burgeoning cricketing constellation. 

Amidst this confluence of eras, one performance stood out—a masterclass of resilience and grit by New Zealand’s Martin Crowe. His century against England at Manchester in the third Test, where New Zealand followed on, epitomized the tenacity that defined his career. Crowe's 115 was not a spectacle of flamboyance but a testament to perseverance, akin to the steely resolve of Javed Miandad in his prime. 

This innings, his 17th Test century, secured Crowe's place as New Zealand's highest Test century-maker—a record that underscored his unparalleled contribution to Kiwi cricket. Yet, in 1994, with cricket journalism still in its nascent stage, Crowe’s feat barely registered in the global consciousness. The world was too enamoured by the heroics of Lara and the artistry of the Two Ws to pause and reflect on the significance of Crowe’s achievements. 

Crowe’s brilliance, much like the fortunes of New Zealand cricket, often operated under the radar. The land of Sir Richard Hadlee, despite its sporadic brilliance, was perennially cast as the "plucky underachievers" of world cricket. Crowe’s innings deserved more than passing acknowledgement—it was a beacon of hope and an exemplar of class in a cricketing culture that seldom enjoyed the spotlight. 

Fast forward to 2018, and the record that once belonged to Crowe found a new custodian—Kane Williamson. Crowe's heir apparent, Williamson, broke this record with his characteristic composure and understated brilliance. In an era dominated by aggressive batting styles and flashy celebrations, Williamson's approach was a throwback to classical cricket. 

Since his debut against India in Ahmedabad in 2010, where he announced himself with a century, Williamson's journey has been one of consistency and grace. By 2018, he had ascended to the pantheon of modern batting greats, rubbing shoulders with Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Steve Smith, and AB de Villiers. His achievement in surpassing Crowe was not merely a statistical milestone but a symbolic passing of the torch—a reaffirmation of New Zealand cricket's capacity to produce world-class players. 

However, Williamson’s rise also highlighted a perennial issue for New Zealand cricket: the paucity of Test matches. Unlike cricketing powerhouses such as India, England, or Australia, New Zealand's limited Test calendar has often denied its stars the platform to etch their names deeper into the annals of cricketing history. If Williamson had the opportunities afforded to his peers, his records might have soared to unthinkable heights. 

At just 27 years of age in 2018, Williamson had already established himself as a beacon of reliability and brilliance. His journey from a prodigious talent to a record-breaking stalwart symbolized the quiet evolution of New Zealand cricket—a transformation from being "underachievers" to contenders on the world stage. 

Cricket, as a sport, thrives on narratives, and Williamson’s story is one of artistry, patience, and perseverance. In celebrating his achievements, the cricketing world acknowledges the legacy of Crowe and the promise of a future where New Zealand continues to defy its constraints and punch above its weight. 

As for the student of 1994, now reflecting on Williamson’s milestones, the game remains a cherished companion—a reminder of how cricket has the power to inspire, comfort, and transcend the barriers of time and space.

Thank You
Faisal Caesar 

Tale of Two Teams: England’s Depth Triumphs as New Zealand Falters Without Williamson

Without Jos Buttler’s commanding presence, England might have struggled to reach the formidable total of 310. Buttler’s innings showcased not just his technical mastery but his ability to thrive under pressure, a quality that proved indispensable. On the other hand, New Zealand lacked a similar talisman when their captain, Kane Williamson, was dismissed—a moment that symbolized the turning of the tide. Williamson's exit left a void, exposing the frailties of a side that leans too heavily on its captain for stability and direction. 

The contrast between the two teams couldn’t have been starker. England, bolstered by the foundational brilliance of Joe Root, demonstrated the depth of their batting arsenal. While Root remains the beating heart of their lineup, they possess a cadre of players capable of absorbing pressure, reversing a collapse, and accelerating with precision. Buttler's knock epitomized this versatility, reaffirming why England are not just contenders but genuine heavyweights in the tournament. 

New Zealand, however, seemed bereft of answers once Williamson fell. Their reliance on the skipper underscores a worrying lack of depth, a vulnerability that surfaced at the worst possible moment. Cricket is often a game of partnerships and resilience, and the Kiwis' inability to forge either in the face of adversity left them wanting. 

England’s entry into the semi-finals is, unsurprisingly, a testament to their consistency and adaptability. The stage is set to seize the moment for Bangladesh, now presented with a fortuitous opportunity after yesterday’s turn of events. Their path to the semi-finals is no longer a distant dream but a tantalizing reality, contingent on their ability to rise to the occasion. 

For Bangladesh, this is more than a chance; it tests character and ambition. Will they embrace the gift of fortune with the resolve of champions, or will they falter under expectation? Cricket’s charm lies in its unpredictability, and as the tournament hurtles toward its crescendo, the potential for drama remains boundless.  

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Composure Under Fire: How Pakistan Succumbed to Wagner’s Wrath

When Kane Williamson won the toss at Hagley Oval, it was a moment of quiet triumph. After enduring a streak of bad luck during the Test series against India, he finally got a chance to dictate terms. The conditions, ripe for swing and seam, made bowling first an obvious choice, and New Zealand’s pacers wasted no time in exploiting the opportunity. 

A Debut to Remember 

Tim Southee and Trent Boult, New Zealand’s trusted new-ball pair, began with probing lines and lengths, testing Sami Aslam and Azhar Ali’s technique. But it was the introduction of debutant Colin de Grandhomme that swung the game decisively. Utilizing a three-quarter length to perfection, de Grandhomme extracted movement that the Pakistani batsmen found unplayable. 

From a steady 31 for no loss, Pakistan imploded to 88 for 5, eventually folding for a paltry 133. Yet, the contest remained alive as Pakistan’s bowlers responded with equal venom, reducing New Zealand to 200, despite the dogged resistance of Jeet Raval and Henry Nicholls. 

With a lead of just 67, the match hung in the balance. As the pitch eased out by the third day, Pakistan had a golden opportunity to rewrite the script. 

A Chance at Redemption 

Azhar Ali and Babar Azam walked out with a clear mandate: bat time and nullify New Zealand’s advantage. They adhered to the time-honoured principles of Test batting, resisting the urge to chase runs and focusing instead on survival. Boundaries were forsaken for blocks and leaves, the scoring rate sacrificed at the altar of stability. 

Their stoic approach frustrated Williamson, who turned to Neil Wagner, his warrior of attrition, to break the deadlock. 

Wagner Unleashes Chaos 

Wagner’s name has become synonymous with relentless aggression. His short-pitched, ribcage-hunting deliveries are designed to unsettle even the most composed batsmen. Against Pakistan, he delivered a spell that will be etched in memory for its sheer ferocity and effectiveness. 

Babar Azam, having weathered so much, fell to a leg-side strangle—a lapse in judgment that he could ill afford. Azhar Ali, a picture of determination until then, also succumbed to Wagner’s unyielding attack. Younis Khan, the veteran, was undone by a sharp rising delivery, and his failure to drop his hands led to his downfall. 

Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s ever-reliable anchor, came in with the task of restoring order. Yet, in a moment uncharacteristic of his usual temperament, he attempted a hook shot that only compounded Pakistan’s misery. 

The Price of Panic 

In that fateful hour on Day 3, Pakistan’s batsmen lost the composure that had defined their earlier resistance. Wagner’s hostility was nothing new—teams like Sri Lanka and Australia had faced similar challenges in the past. The difference was in the response. Where others stood firm, Pakistan faltered, their mental fortitude crumbling under pressure. 

By the time the dust settled, Pakistan had squandered their chance to take control of the Test. New Zealand, buoyed by the collapse, cruised to an eight-wicket victory. 

Lessons from Hagley Oval 

Test cricket is as much a battle of the mind as it is of skill. On Day 3, Pakistan had the right idea—occupy the crease, wear down the bowlers, and stabilize their innings. Yet, the execution fell short. The inability to adapt to Wagner’s short-pitched barrage, coupled with lapses in concentration, turned a promising situation into a disaster. 

Misbah and his men must now look to Hamilton with a renewed sense of purpose. Composure and discipline will be key if they are to bounce back and level the series. Hagley Oval was a lesson in the cost of mental fragility. Hamilton offers a chance for redemption. 

Final Thoughts 

For New Zealand, this Test was a testament to the brilliance of their bowlers and the astute leadership of Kane Williamson. For Pakistan, it was a sobering reminder that moments of brilliance must be matched by sustained resilience. As the series moves forward, the question remains: can Pakistan learn from their mistakes and reclaim their footing?

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Crack Down on the Bowlers by ICC: The Perils of Regulation and the Struggle for Innovation

Bangladesh cricket is at a crossroads. The national team’s ongoing struggles, marked by repeated defeats on the field and constant controversies off it, have cast a long shadow over the game in the country. For passionate Bangladeshi cricket fans, there has been little to celebrate recently, as the cricketing landscape remains dominated by disappointment, scandal, and uncertainty. Amid this tumult, a new controversy has emerged that threatens to further unravel the sport: the ICC's renewed crackdown on suspected illegal bowling actions.

The Crackdown on Bowling Actions

The recent news that Bangladesh fast bowler Al-Amin Hossain has been reported for a suspected illegal bowling action has sent shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity. Hossain, a promising talent, is the latest in a growing list of bowlers flagged by the ICC for their actions. He becomes the sixth player to be reported, joining a list that includes his compatriot Sohag Gazi, and becoming the first fast bowler from Bangladesh to face such scrutiny. The timing of this development has been particularly unsettling for the Bangladesh cricket community, already reeling from the national team’s poor performances.

This issue is not just about one player; it represents a broader concern over the ICC's increasingly stringent stance on what constitutes a ‘legal’ bowling action. For the governing body of world cricket, the message is clear: the integrity of the game must be upheld, and any action that threatens the fairness and spirit of the game must be rooted out. The crackdown on illegal bowling actions, however, raises complex questions about fairness, innovation, and the evolution of the sport.

A Renewed War on ‘Illegal’ Actions

The ICC's focus on illegal bowling actions has intensified in recent years, with the governing body implementing new measures to ensure that bowlers’ actions are within the regulations. In June, during an ICC Cricket Committee meeting, the governing body expressed concerns over the effectiveness of the biomechanical lab at the University of Western Australia in Perth, which has long been the standard for testing bowling actions. As a result, the ICC has moved to accredit other biomechanics labs around the world to offer greater support to match officials and ensure that suspected illegal actions are accurately identified.

This renewed scrutiny has had its fair share of casualties. Bowlers like Sri Lanka’s Sachithra Senanayake, New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, and Pakistan’s Saeed Ajmal have all been banned or suspended after their actions were deemed illegal by the ICC. Ajmal's suspension in 2013, which declared his action illegal for all deliveries, shocked the cricket world and marked a turning point in the ICC’s approach to illegal actions.

While the ICC’s drive to uphold the integrity of the game is commendable, it raises serious concerns about the implications for bowlers, particularly those whose actions fall within a grey area. The focus on biomechanics, while scientifically rigorous, risks overlooking the nuances and complexities of bowling as an art form. The more rigid the rules become, the more constrained bowlers feel, particularly those who rely on subtle variations in their actions to deceive batsmen.

A Crisis of Confidence: Muttiah Muralitharan and the Legacy of Innovation

The ICC's growing scrutiny of bowling actions inevitably leads to questions about its approach to legendary bowlers whose actions were once considered to be within the legal parameters but are now coming under fresh examination. The case of Muttiah Muralitharan, one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history, is particularly pertinent. Muralitharan, whose action was deemed legal by the University of Western Australia’s biomechanics lab, is now caught in the crosshairs of a broader debate about what constitutes a 'legal' action.

If the ICC is now dissatisfied with the results of the biomechanics lab in Perth, should it re-evaluate the validity of bowlers who have passed through it, including Muralitharan? This hypothetical scenario is not as far-fetched as it might seem, especially considering the evolving nature of biomechanics and the increasing scrutiny placed on bowling actions in the modern game. The very idea of reopening Muralitharan's case sends a chilling message to current and future bowlers: innovation, no matter how brilliant or effective, is under constant threat.

The Stifling of Innovation

At the heart of the debate over illegal bowling actions lies a deeper issue: the growing stifling of bowling innovation. Over the years, the ICC's increasing regulation of bowling actions has created an environment where bowlers are afraid to experiment. What was once celebrated as the art of deception—the subtle variations in pace, spin, and angle that make bowling such a fascinating and complex discipline—has now become a minefield of legal boundaries.

The fear of having a unique delivery reported as illegal has led to many bowlers, particularly spinners, retreating into more orthodox, and sometimes less effective, methods. The doosra, a delivery popularized by the likes of Saeed Ajmal and Muttiah Muralitharan, has become a symbol of the battle between innovation and regulation. It is now regarded with suspicion, despite being one of the most ingenious deliveries in the game. Similarly, reverse swing bowling, once a hallmark of fast bowling, is now viewed with wariness, as bowlers fear being branded as violators of the laws of cricket.

This growing fear of innovation threatens the very essence of the game. Cricket, like all sports, evolves through the ingenuity of its players. Just as batsmen are encouraged to experiment with new shots, such as the reverse sweep or switch-hit, bowlers too should have the freedom to innovate within the rules. If we accept that a batsman can change the way the game is played with a new stroke, why should a bowler be penalized for developing a new delivery?

The Need for Balance

As the ICC continues its battle against illegal actions, there is a pressing need for a more balanced approach—one that recognizes the importance of both fairness and innovation. There is no doubt that the integrity of the game must be protected, but this should not come at the cost of stifling the creative spirit that has made cricket such a dynamic and evolving sport.

The ICC must strike a delicate balance, allowing bowlers to push the boundaries of their craft while ensuring that they remain within the parameters of fairness. This may mean revisiting some of the existing rules and guidelines surrounding bowling actions to ensure they reflect the changing nature of the game and the challenges faced by bowlers in a modern cricketing landscape. Just as the laws of batting have evolved over time to accommodate innovation, so too should the laws governing bowling.

Ultimately, cricket must remain a place where both batsmen and bowlers can express their skills and creativity without fear of being unfairly punished. The ICC's role is not only to regulate but also to foster the growth and evolution of the game. By doing so, it can ensure that the game remains both fair and vibrant and that the innovations of today’s bowlers are not tragically lost to the past.

In the end, cricket’s future lies in finding harmony between the strictures of fairness and the freedom of creativity. The question remains: will the ICC rise to the challenge? Or will it continue down a path that risks suffocating the very innovations that have made the game what it is today?

 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

The Resurgence of the Kiwis: A Test Match in Ahmedabad Full of Drama and Grit

   

Before the start of the first Test in Ahmedabad, the New Zealand cricket team was written off by critics. They were expected to be steamrolled by the mighty Indian side, carrying the baggage of a humiliating “Banglawash” from their recent nightmare in Bangladesh. The odds seemed heavily stacked against the Kiwis—an unfriendly subcontinental pitch, wounded morale, and the unenviable task of facing the number one Test side on their home turf. Yet, cricket has an uncanny way of throwing surprises, and the Kiwis reminded everyone why they are known for punching above their weight.  

India’s Commanding Start: Sehwag’s Blitz and Dravid’s Craft 

The Indian team started the match in a manner befitting their reputation. Virender Sehwag unleashed his signature assault, shredding the Kiwi bowlers with blistering strokes all over the park. It was vintage Sehwag—unapologetically aggressive, turning good deliveries into boundaries with astonishing ease. On the other end, Rahul Dravid was a picture of patience and precision, playing the monk-like innings he is revered for. His hundred, as serene as a temple bell, ensured that India ended the first day in complete command, with expectations soaring for a massive first-innings total.  

The Kiwi Fightback: A Dent in India's Progress

However, the second day told a different story—one that highlighted the tenacity of the New Zealanders. Despite losing their pace spearhead, Hamish Bennett, to injury, the Kiwi bowlers mounted a remarkable recovery. Daniel Vettori, as always, led from the front, tying down the batsmen with his subtle variations. What once seemed like a march toward 600 ended abruptly at 487, as the Indian innings stuttered under the pressure of disciplined bowling. This was not just containment; it was a statement of resilience.  

Williamson’s Arrival and Ryder’s Reinvention   

In response, the Kiwi batters demonstrated patience and poise that had seemed absent in Bangladesh. Kane Williamson, playing with maturity beyond his years, notched up a sublime debut century. His composure under pressure was a glimpse of the greatness that lay ahead. At the other end, the mercurial Jesse Ryder surprised everyone by curbing his natural flamboyance. Known for his aggressive stroke play, Ryder showed an uncharacteristic restraint, crafting a valuable century that was as much about grit as it was about talent. Their efforts propelled New Zealand to a formidable 459—a total that few had expected them to muster against India’s spinners.  

Chris Martin’s Masterclass: India Stunned and Reeling

The third innings saw the game take a dramatic turn. India, expecting to dictate terms, found themselves on the receiving end of a masterful spell from Chris Martin. Often underestimated for his lack of pace and flamboyance, Martin produced one of the finest spells of swing bowling, exploiting the slightest hint of movement. Gautam Gambhir misjudged a delivery outside off and edged to the keeper. Dravid, fresh off a hundred, was drawn into an uncharacteristic poke. Sehwag’s reckless run-out only added to the chaos, and soon, India was staring down the barrel at 17 for 5.  

The Motera crowd sat in stunned silence. The number one Test team in the world had just been ambushed by a bowler whose career had largely flown under the radar. Martin, with his unrelenting focus on basics, turned the game on its head, inspiring a Kiwi resurgence that was nothing short of miraculous. Even with Bennett and Ryder nursing injuries, New Zealand’s bowlers outshone their Australian counterparts, who had fumbled in similar conditions.  

The Laxman-Harbhajan Partnership: A Rescue Act 

India’s collapse was halted only by the dependable VVS Laxman, the team’s perennial savior in times of crisis. In partnership with MS Dhoni, and later with Harbhajan Singh, Laxman began the arduous task of rebuilding the innings. Though Dhoni was removed by Martin after a brief resistance, it was Laxman’s calm presence and Harbhajan’s spirited batting that saved India from an ignominious defeat.  

Harbhajan, known more for his bowling than his batting, produced a gem of an innings—a mix of sensibility and aggression that culminated in his maiden Test century. His 163-run stand with Laxman restored India’s pride and ensured they set a target of 294, enough to deny New Zealand any hopes of a dramatic victory. By the end of the fifth day, the Kiwis had reached 19 for 1, and the match ended in a hard-fought draw.  

A Moral Victory for New Zealand

  

While the scorecard might show a draw, this match was a triumph for New Zealand. It marked the resurgence of a team that had been humiliated only weeks ago in Bangladesh. The grit displayed by their batsmen, particularly Williamson and Ryder, infused confidence into their bowling attack. Chris Martin’s spell was the embodiment of their never-say-die spirit—reminding the world that cricket is not merely a game of skill but one of heart and character.  

The Kiwis walked away from Ahmedabad with their heads held high. They had not only stood toe-to-toe with the best team in the world but had also erased the scars of Dhaka. More than the runs or wickets, it was their resilience that shone through—a reminder that New Zealand, no matter how lean the patch, always finds a way to fight back.  

This Test match was not just a contest between bat and ball. It was a testament to the unpredictable beauty of cricket—where the underdog, battered and bruised, rises from the ashes to challenge the mighty. And if history is any guide, the Kiwis will continue to surprise, for they never give up, especially not in India.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

It's That Man Shakib, Again: Bangladesh Beat New Zealand

The moment Bangladesh cricket had long awaited may have finally arrived. In Shakib Al Hasan, the nation has found the hero it desperately needed—a beacon of hope and a symbol of victory who seems destined to lift the team's fortunes to new heights. Charismatic and determined, Shakib's leadership and brilliance on the field have earned him an iconic status, solidifying his place not just as a player, but as the torchbearer of Bangladesh’s cricketing future.

His performance in the fourth ODI against New Zealand at Mirpur was nothing short of poetic—a captain at the peak of his powers, leading his side with both bat and ball, eclipsing his Kiwi counterpart Daniel Vettori in what can be described as a battle of the all-round titans. With his decisive and majestic contribution, Shakib propelled Bangladesh to one of its most cherished victories against a top-tier cricketing nation. The Kiwis, formidable though they were, appeared bewildered in the face of Shakib’s dominance.

At 35 for 3, Bangladesh’s innings teetered on the edge of collapse. The early wickets had left the team in disarray, and the moment demanded a steady hand, a leader who could salvage the innings. Shakib, the pride of Magura, stepped into the breach. His response was one of calm authority. In partnership with Imrul Kayes, he anchored the innings with a 53-run stand, bringing a sense of stability. When that partnership was broken, he found support in Mushfiqur Rahim, adding another 51 runs, though their alliance was tragically cut short by poor running between the wickets. Yet, Shakib remained resolute, determined to guide his team out of trouble.

It was after the initial turbulence had passed that Shakib’s bat truly began to speak. His off-side drives were a masterclass in elegance and precision, each stroke commanding respect from the bowlers. The spinners, often a threat, found no purchase against him, as he played with ease, deftly manipulating the field. Alongside Mahmudullah Riyad, Shakib added a further 68 runs, putting the Tigers back in the game.

What stood out most was not just his ability to score but how he rotated the strike, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Shakib’s innings was one of craftsmanship, a carefully constructed masterpiece that culminated in his fifth ODI century in the 41st over. His departure came with the sense that he had laid the groundwork for a formidable total, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered, and Bangladesh’s innings closed at 241 all out.

New Zealand’s reply began with cautious optimism, but the Tigers’ bowling attack was relentless. Abdur Razzak struck early, dismissing Watling with an LBW, and Shafiul Islam’s brilliance in the field sent the dangerous Brendon McCullum back to the pavilion. Ross Taylor, the backbone of the Kiwi batting order, was caught out in the deep, and soon Shakib himself joined the fray, removing Aron Redmond with his cunning left-arm spin.

By the time Mahmudullah Riad dismissed Vettori, New Zealand was reeling at 80 for 5. The match seemed firmly in Bangladesh’s grasp. Yet, cricket is a game of unpredictability, and Kane Williamson stood like a lone sentinel, refusing to surrender. His resilience brought New Zealand back into contention. With Grant Elliot and later Nathan McCullum, Williamson forged partnerships that threatened to wrest control away from Bangladesh.

As the game neared its climax, 24 runs were needed from the final 12 balls—a daunting task, yet not impossible. The atmosphere was electric, and Bangladesh required a breakthrough. Once again, it was Shakib who rose to the occasion. His left-arm spin, so often a weapon in the deathovers, worked its magic once more. Nathan McCullum, attempting to force the pace, was run out by a brilliant throw from Naeem Islam. The pressure mounted. Tuffey fell without scoring, caught in the moment's intensity, and Bangladesh edged closer to a historic triumph.

When Shafiul Islam removed Williamson for a valiant 108, the final act of a tense drama unfolded. Bangladesh had done it. A 3-0 lead in the series, their first-ever consecutive victories over a higher-ranked team, sealed with a flourish. The Tigers had aimed high, and their determination had borne fruit. But at the heart of it all, it was one man’s vision and leadership—Shakib Al Hasan—that had made this moment possible.

In an era where Bangladesh cricket often searches for consistency, Shakib has emerged as the unifying force, the captain whose shoulders carry the weight of a nation’s hopes. He is not just a cricketer; he is a symbol of what Bangladesh cricket can achieve when talent meets tenacity, and when leadership is matched with resolve.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar