WE are now only two matches away from the World Cup final at the MCG. Obviously, therefore the focus is on today’s first semi-final in Auckland between New Zealand and as strong a side like South Africa.

This no doubt takes me back to the 1992 semi-final played at the Eden Park in which Pakistan triumphed by four wickets to make the decider and then finish holding the coveted trophy for the one and only time.

New Zealand in that competition were unbeaten till Imran Khan’s men got on to them at Lancaster Park in Christchurch to let them have the taste of their first defeat — by seven wickets — before meeting them again in what was to be a cracking last-four clash.

The Kiwis were then led by Martin Crowe, one of the best batsmen of the time who having won the toss batted first to finish on 262 for 7. Limping and injured, he scored an unforgettable 91 hitting seven fours and three sixes before being run out. And experienced Ken Rutherford made 50.

No comfortable target for Pakistan but was made easy through sensible batting by Ramiz Raja (44), Imran Khan (44) and Javed Miandad (57 not out). That still was not enough till young Inzamam-ul-Haq walked in to smash a 37-ball 60 to dampen Crowe and his team-mates’ aspirations of reaching a final for the first time.

There were unforgettable scenes following Pakistan’s victory. As jubilant Pakistan team and their supporters hugged and kissed in their moment of glory, the Kiwis left stunned still rose from their seats to applaud Crowe’s men for playing brilliant cricket throughout till they finally succumbed.

There were tears all round in the stands as New Zealand team took a lap of honour, visibly shaken and weeping with tears flowing down their cheeks. I had never seen such an outpouring of emotions after a cricket match. I rushed from the TVNZ commentary box to photograph the home players as they took the round with their fans screaming to show not only their disappointment but also their appreciation on how well their team performed.

New Zealand are in their seventh World Cup semi-final.

Every time in their last six attempts they failed to fulfil their dream. Today is another such day and another opportunity. They have a very strong batting line-up with Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson and Corey Anderson to name a few and as potent a bowling attack which boasts of Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Mitchell McClenaghan, Kyle Mills and Anderson with experienced Daniel Vettori to back them up.

All proven champions, like the South Africans are who in their last three attempts were unable to get past the semi-finals and still suffer from the ‘chokers’ tag which so dearly would love throw away.

With Hashim Amla, A.B. de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, David Miller, Rilee Rossouw and Quinton de Kock their batting prowess looks as impregnable as their bowling comprising the likes of Dayle Steyn, Morne Morkel, and possibly Vernon Philander, leg-spinner Imran Tahir and the rest.

On a drop-in pitch with small boundaries this one is going to be no less than a humdinger. On form both the Kiwis and the Proteas are well-balanced, fit and in form to take each other on. Home support once again will be well in force to back their heroes.

The occasion is big, the stakes are higher and may the best on the day win.

Published in Dawn March 24th , 2015

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