Louisa Wall: Cricketers cap a brilliant NZ sporting year

I really enjoyed the Black Caps' victory in the final ODI in the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series. It was from the chronicles of Ripley's Believe-It-Or-Not. If I hadn't have seen it for myself, I would have doubted the result.

After the loss in Wellington, I was feeling let down, especially after the tremendous fightback saw us lose on the brink of victory.

The run-out by Michael Clarke of Brendon McCullum was absolutely brilliant and not unexpected from the Aussies.

Often the Black Caps think they can do it, but don't. The Australians always know they can win and most of the time they do.

So, when Daniel Vettori and McCullum had the second opportunity to nail victory they played to win off every ball and had an over to spare, which was rather impressive given the run chase called for a record 332 batting effort.

Such opportunities for redemption do not often come so soon after failure and McCullum especially would have had nightmares about the one that got away in Wellington. It seemed McCullum was seeing the ball like a basketball and found the middle of the bat easily. And with the solid and world-class Vettori at the other end, victory was ours.

The success of the Australians in the series was acknowledged and we were humble in victory.

Our stand-in skipper was for me our player of the series.

Vettori was a master with the ball with figures of 2-29 in the first ODI, 1-51, and 8 not out in the second ODI and finally 2-37, a brilliant catch and not out 23 off 12 balls to assist McCullum who smashed 50 off 25 deliveries in the final ODI.

His world-class influence is starting to rub off on the others.

Add this win to our impressive list of sporting success and this year has been spectacular.

But it seems that one achievement and one individual stands out above all others this year. Michael Campbell will surely win the Maori Sports Award tonight and no doubt will be at the Halbergs in February.

And what a way to end the year at the Target World Challenge with an equal third placing. Any top 10 finish is more than commendable.

Campbell is not afraid to win as opposed to being afraid of losing.

We appreciate that he is making the effort to come home. And what a wonderful celebration it will be for your whanau, all four million of us.

So, kia kaha, let it be an inspiration for us all.

* Louisa Wall is a former New Zealand rugby and netball representative