Jubilant Kiwis believe World Cup glory awaits
New Zealand still bubbling after Black Caps reach final for first time
New Zealanders hailed the Black Caps’ cliffhanger World Cup semi-final win over South Africa as one of the country’s top sporting moments and finally began dreaming of even greater glory in the tournament decider on Sunday.
“One to go,” trumpeted the front page of the New Zealand Herald, while the Dominion Post’s back page headline described victory over the Proteas at Eden Park as “The stuff that dreams are made of”.
If you didn’t think these Black Caps had the mental strength to go the whole way, you should now, because they stood up under the pressure that defines teams
There was also relief at a four-wicket win achieved with just one ball to spare that propelled New Zealand into the final for the first time after a run of six losses in the semis.
Former Black Cap bowler Jacob Oram said Brendon McCullum’s men had shown their class against a dangerous South African side and should be favourites in a tournament where they remain undefeated after eight matches.
“It looks at the moment like nothing daunts them,” he said.
“The bigger the expectation, the more that’s asked, the bigger they stand up. I honestly don’t think this World Cup final is going to daunt these guys.”