Australia v New Zealand ICC Champions Trophy 2009 Finals- Preview
Posted on 04. Oct, 2009 by admin in Sports
As the sixth edition of ICC Champions Trophy goes to last lap, the favorite tagged Pakistan, India and South Africa are left and out; but there had been a surprise New Zealand team coming to the finals. The Kiwi gang beat Pakistan convincingly in the second semi finals yesterday go as one in the last two of the Champions Trophy tournament. They will play Australia at the Super Sport Park in Centurion, South Africa.
Both Australia and New Zealand emerged as top teams from the three groups and while Australia was tipped to be here from the beginning of the tournament, New Zealand had been a surprise winner of second semi finals.
Australia has put England to shame in the recent ODI series and they are right on top. So playing England in the semi finals had been just another easy one for the Kangaroos. A mediocre target of 257 and the amazing tons by Shane Watson (136 not out) and their captain Ricky Ponting (111 not out) took Aussies to finals. Between these two, Watson had been devious and hit 7 sixes routing England.
England never looked comfortable and their top order had been a pack of cards that never gave any resistance to the Aussies bowling. However, from a pathetic 101/6 Bresnan and Wright have rebuilt England innings. Together they added 101 runs more to the next wicket and Bresnan especially looked very comfortable against spin as well as the seam bowling; he came in as a replacement to the injured Stuart Broad, but his innings should win confidence of English selectors. He will certainly go a long way in the England side.
Kiwis on the other hand had a comfortable win against Pakistan chasing a target of 234. Elliott and Vettori have battered the Pakistani bowling; Saeed Ajmal had been pick of bowlers taking two wickets for 39. Earlier Pakistan started their batting, and looked never at ease, especially after loss of the top two batsmen Imran Nazir and Kamran Akmal. They gave a solid start that was never converted to good by the middle order. Younis Khan failed and Mohammad Yousuf lost his wicket to mounting pressure to score runs. Shahid Afridi had to pay for a risky reckless shot but thanks to their last pair who put of 35 runs and gave a decent score for Pakistan on the board, although not good for a semi finals. Ian Butler had been the bowler for Kiwis to claim 4 wickets and Vettori claims 3.
New Zealand shares similar statistic with Australia. They have amazing win ration at Champions Trophy close to Australia and no wonder they share the top 2 slots. It will be interesting to see as to who will lift the trophy, although Australia will go in as favorites. But cricket is a game that keeps you to expect the unexpected. So keep expecting!
