New Zealand’s path into ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final

New Zealand made it through to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final with a thrilling victory over South Africa in Auckland. It was a game that invoked emotional extremes for the neutral, but for the New Zealand fans, it is a big moment in their cricketing history. Nishad Pai Vaidya traverses a range of emotions as New Zealand made it through to the final.

The beauty of sport is that you can witness a range of emotions in one picture! Grant Elliott and Daniel Vettori celebrated New Zealand’s progress into the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final as Dale Steyn was lying in disbelief; in the distance, AB de Villiers knelt with tears rolling down his cheeks. Agony and ecstasy! For both teams, it was an important game — for it was an opportunity to create history. Neither has played a World Cup final; New Zealand will have the opportunity to feature in one after this thrilling victory. Match Report: New Zealand vs South Africa

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For the neutral fans watching, it was a game that invoked emotional extremes. You did not want to pick your favourite for some part of your cricketing heart wanted both to create history in some way. Having watched South Africa endure repeated heartbreaks in their World Cup history, you would have prayed for their success. But, watching Brendon McCullum’s team play a refreshing brand of cricket attracted you and made you a Kiwi at some level. Though you may have rejoiced New Zealand’s victory, the South African tears would have hurt you! Full Scorecard: New Zealand vs South Africa, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Semi-Final 1

For now, McCullum’s team is the toast of the nation being a step away from World glory. As a commentator pointed out, they overcame the semi-final hurdle  at the very venue where the All Blacks have won two Rugby World Cups. Eden Park is an iconic venue in New Zealand for it has seen the All Blacks achieve world glory in 1987 and in 2011. In 2015, the venue may have a more cricketing pride for this remarkable achievement. Top 10 bowlers in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

In fact, New Zealand has soaked in the cricket craze during the ongoing World Cup. The rugby-mad country embraced cricket with more enthusiasm this time as there is a firm belief that McCullum’s men can go all the way. You can sense that when you travel through New Zealand. McCullum is seen gracing numerous posters and people talk cricket wholeheartedly if you bring the topic. Although they have been competitive over the years, New Zealand have shown dominance on a consistent basis through this World Cup to fuel the hopes of their fan base. Top 10 batsmen in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

Stephen Fleming, the former New Zealand captain, told CricketCountry  in an interview his team had to be innovative for they were not the most skilful side. In his words, they punched beyond their weight. That was evident in numerous World Cup campaign when New Zealand made it through to the semi-finals. But, this New Zealand team has a different air to it. They walk out with a lot of optimism and that air of dominance. They are the ones punching beyond their weight, but are in fact a part of the big club. Getting through to the World Cup final is proof of it; seeing it through would be a fitting finale! ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Complete Coverage

(Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Correspondent with CricketCountry and anchor for the site’s YouTube Channel. His Twitter handle is @nishad_45)