Related Links
The BLACKCAPS will play traditional Trans-Tasman rivals Australia in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy.
It has been a fairytale run for Daniel Vettori and his team after being written off at the start of the tournament following their disappointing tour of Sri Lanka.
Being labelled underdogs is nothing new for the BLACKCAPS – they have worn that tag in every match of the competition but they have proven their doubters wrong after finishing top of their group with comfortable wins over Sri Lanka and England and then Pakistan in the weekend’s semi final.
Australia on the other hand have been favourites from the outset, brushing aside the West Indies, Pakistan and England to reach their 19th tournament final since their win in the 1999 World Cup.
Extra spice will be added by the all Australasian final with both teams having plenty to lose.
Australia are keen to let the world know they haven’t lost their aura while New Zealand want to prove they are a force in international cricket.
Talking about the BLACKCAPS side Ricky Ponting said, “It's always been a great rivalry, whether it is cricket, rugby or netball. The countries always seem to have some very good clashes in sport. It's one that we're looking forward to.”
Daniel Vettori knows how important a win would be for their supportive followers, “for New Zealand fans back home, their biggest game whenever we play is against Australia. When we drew the Chappell/Hadlee series it felt pretty good back home so this opportunity is pretty big.”
Both teams have won the ICC Champions Trophy with the BLACKCAPS beating India in 2000 and Australia overcoming the West Indies in 2006. Both team will be vying to be the first to lift the trophy twice.
The match be played at Centurion on Tuesday 6 October at 1:30am (NZ time), (Monday 2:30pm local time).
