New Zealand hopes for a repeat of 2000
New Zealand won the first and only ICC trophy in the colorful uniform in 2000. The Kiwis tasted the title by defeating India in the Champions Trophy. The team is desperate to bring back the memories of that final in Dubai today.
New Zealand opener Will Young expressed that hope on the ICC website yesterday, Saturday. Young was an 8-year-old child when New Zealand became champions. He watched the feats of his predecessors on TV. Star cricketers like Stephen Fleming, Nathan Astell, and Scott Styris were in that Kiwi team. Young wants to bring back that day. He said, “There were some incredible cricketers in that team. Those who are in the current team have grown up watching them. We have not forgotten those memories. It would be great to be able to bring back that day 25 years ago. I was eight years old at that time. My love for cricket began from then on.”
He also said, “I remember before I caught the plane to come here. All the Champions Trophy teams were announced then. Scott Styris was present in front of us that day. He told us many stories about that team. It is very good to remember the past. New Zealand has won this trophy before. They just gave us the baton. It is our job to touch it.’
Earlier, in 2000, the openers made New Zealand win. This time too, the rugby nation is walking on the same path. The opening pair of Devon Conway and Ranchin Ravindra is giving the team a lot of momentum. Young also scored a century against Pakistan. He can give the team confidence in the final too.
New Zealand has met India once in this tournament. However, the Kiwis could not stand up to Rohit-Kohli in that match. New Zealand wants to learn from the mistakes of the lost match this time. Young said, ‘I have learned a lot from the previous match. Especially as a batter. I am sure my team’s bowlers have also tested their batters. We are already familiar with the way India plays cricket. We will play on the same field again. We have the ability to adapt quickly. Let’s see how the challenge goes this time.
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