Neutral observers at the World Cup have been thrilled by the way our national side has played the game
It says much about the skill and panache that New Zealand has brought to the Cricket World Cup that they have become the favourite team of a number of neutral observers.
Accustomed to this country producing cricketers more noted for stolidity than the spectacular, these people have been captivated byBrendon McCullum's Black Caps. So, too, of course, has the New Zealand public. A clean sweep of their pool matches has confirmed the expectations of some people and heightened those of others. Today, these go on the line as the Black Caps confront the West Indies in a quarter-final in Wellington.
The prize for the winner is a semi-final against South Africa at Eden Park on Tuesday.
Most pointers suggest that berth will be filled by the Black Caps. The West Indies are far from the force that once dominated the game, although, with Chris Gayle in their ranks, they will always be a threat. The Black Caps, in contrast, have become a team that can, if need be, conjure a way to win.
If there is reason to be nervous about this clash, it is the possibility of another dose of the middle-order wobbles that afflicted the Black Caps against Scotland, Australia and Bangladesh. Nonetheless, all these games were eventually won.
On each occasion, someone stepped up to marshal the run chase and ensure that the excellent work of the team's bowlers was not wasted. The hope today is for a comprehensive performance in which all parts of the team contribute well.
If so, the Black Caps will be able to look forward to a game against a South African side that shook off a record of knockout match failures in its quarter-final rout of Sri Lanka.
Many cricket followers around the world had the Sri Lankans as their sentimental favourite to claim the world crown because of the impending retirements of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.
The Black Caps now have strong claims to their backing.
Win or lose today, New Zealanders can have considerable pride in their side. Despite some qualms, their preparation for the World Cup has proved to have been as true as it was thorough. It has created a confidence, both individually and in other members of the squad, that has allowed the players to express themselves.
It should be noted that they came through their pool undefeated despite a timetable of matches that did them few favours.
Their first three games were played in a short space of time, creating lengthy lulls between their remaining fixtures.
Whoever wins in Wellington will also have to front up against South Africa after just two days' recovery. The scheduling of the pool matches owed much to the accommodation of minnows in the event. The interest generated by the performance of teams like Afghanistan probably justified that. Only occasionally did it seem the tournament was being dragged out.
The semi-final schedule, however, is more difficult to understand. South Africa will have had five days to recover and plan.
Home advantage will counter that to some degree if the Black Caps get the opportunity to go further in a World Cup than they have before. Either way, the team is clearly on an upward curve and tantalising matches against England and Australia await them over the next 12 months. These are thrilling days for New Zealand cricket.
